OAN’s James Meyers
10:32 AM – Friday, April 26, 2024
Another CNN anchor is now on their way out of the struggling news network, according to the company.
CNN Worldwide CEO and Chairman Mark Thompson told staffers that veteran host Poppy Harlow will be leaving the network during CNN’s 9 a.m. editorial call on Friday, and Harlow confirmed her exit in an email to Vanity Fair.
“When I walked in the door at CNN in 2008, I was 25 years old and had never been on live TV. Green is an understatement!” Harlow wrote. “I grew up here: as a journalist and as a person.”
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In her farewell, Harlow thanked Thompson, as well as Amy Entelis, the executive vice president for talent, CNN originals, and creative development, stating that the two have “been wonderful and have given me the space to make this decision.”
“I’m excited for what is ahead – and I will be rooting for CNN always,” she said.
The news anchor was selected by former network CEO Chris Licht to host a newly revamped morning show with former host Don Lemon and fellow anchor Kaitlan Collins.
However, Licht was fired by CNN’s parent company last summer, as well as Lemon being let go following a series of controversies last spring.
After Collins was moved, both Licht and Lemon left the news network, and Harlow hosted “CNN This Morning” with anchor Phil Mattingly.
In January, “CNN This Morning” averaged 322,000 total viewers, while MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” drew 988,000 and Fox’s “Fox & Friends” pulled in 1.07 million.
Soon after, “CNN This Morning” was canceled this past February, and new network boss Mark Thompson moved Mattingly to a role as chief domestic correspondent. Reportedly, the network held discussions with Harlow about a potential new position, but she ultimately decided to leave.
“The nearly two decades since have been a gift,” she wrote in an email to colleagues. “I have been inspired by you and learned so much from you – who are (and will remain) dear friends.”
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