It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Brian Stelter, the latest casualty of the Licht era. Stelter’s departure as host of “RELIABLE SOURCES” and co-author of their newsletter exemplifies the past, present, and future of the media industry. Upon taking over CNN in 2013, Zucker promised to make it “the most trusted name in news.” However, CNN has become a shell of its former self, as demonstrated by Stelter’s unceremonious departure. CNN is not the same as we remember it. This is not the CNN that we trust.
It’s the end of the line for Brian Stelter at CNN.
Puck News Reports, According to reporter Dylan Byers, CNN’s Reliable Sources host and lead author of its late-night newsletter of the same name, Brian Stelter, was summoned to C.E.O. Chris Licht’s office on Wednesday afternoon. The meeting apparently ended with Stelter looking ashen and refusing to talk about it. In Wednesday evening’s newsletter, Oliver Darcy wrote it by himself. Byers confirmed today that Stelter will be leaving CNN. This Sunday will be his last episode of Reliable Sources.
Stelter appears to be leaving the company amicably and spoke briefly about the decision to end his show.
In a statement to NPR, Stelter says he’s grateful for the show and his team’s examination of “the media, truth and the stories that shape our world.”
“It was a rare privilege to lead a weekly show focused on the press at a time when it has never been more consequential,” Stelter said, promising to say more on Sunday’s show — its final episode.
Stelter started blogging about cable news as a student before becoming a New York Times media reporter. Stelter has been hosting Reliable Sources for the past nine years, and in March, it celebrated its 30th anniversary.
John Malone, a major financial stakeholder of the new WarnerDiscovery conglomerate, publicly criticized CNN for becoming politicized. As Stelter covered the Discovery deal for CNN and its sister properties in February, Malone’s influence was cited more than a dozen times.
The network’s spokesperson confirmed the show’s demise and wished Stelter success in his future endeavors.
Stelter’s run has finally come to an end. It’s a miracle he made it this far and it will be interesting to see what he does next.
