Jim Acosta Threatens to Quit CNN Over Network Shuffle

Jim Acosta’s future at CNN is in jeopardy as the network reshuffles its lineup and offers the veteran journalist a move to the graveyard shift. According to multiple reports, Acosta is considering quitting rather than accepting the proposed new time slot that would see him broadcast a nightly show starting at midnight.

The decision comes after CNN CEO Mark Thompson announced a major programming shift that includes canceling Acosta’s long-running morning show, CNN Newsroom with Jim Acosta, which aired weekdays at 10 a.m. Eastern. This move, which has been described by some sources as a demotion, is part of CNN’s ongoing efforts to retool its lineup and focus more on digital content.

CNN’s new programming changes would shift Acosta’s show to a time slot traditionally known for lower viewership and often referred to as the “graveyard shift.”

A CNN staffer told Fox News Digital, “Acosta is a talented broadcaster who could handle any slot on the network,” but added, “The midnight thing is shocking [but] it is what it is.”

However, some argue that the time change might not be as detrimental as it seems. A network insider explained that while midnight Eastern is late in the U.S. East Coast, it airs at 9 p.m. Pacific Time, which is considered a prime time slot on the West Coast. This could provide Acosta with an opportunity to reach a different segment of CNN’s audience.

But even so, the move still represents a significant shift from Acosta’s previous high-profile role as one of the network’s most visible personalities.

Acosta, known for his combative style as White House correspondent during Donald Trump’s presidency, may now be facing the end of his tenure at CNN. The 51-year-old broadcaster is reportedly unhappy with the proposed move and has indicated he may leave the network rather than accept a midnight show.

Sources told Fox News that Acosta, who has become synonymous with CNN’s coverage of the Trump White House, is upset with the direction the network is taking under Thompson’s leadership. One staffer claimed that Acosta is being “hosed” by the network.

Some in the media world have speculated that this is part of a broader effort to salvage the network’s overall reputation as objective reporters as well as an olive branch to the newly sworn in Trump Administration. Some have also speculated that the network ultimately wanted to get rid of Acosta, and offered him the new position in the hopes that he would quit without them having to fire him.

If Acosta were to accept the new role, it could require him to move to Los Angeles. According to sources, broadcasting from the West Coast would align his show with the Pacific Time Zone and offer more flexibility with CNN’s global audience. However, it’s unclear whether this move would be mandatory, as Acosta could potentially continue broadcasting from Washington, D.C., if he prefers.

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