CNN hires programming exec who may help oversee morning, 9 p.m. changes

By MixDex Article may include affiliate links

Fresh off the news that CNN is parting ways with media correspondent Brian Stelter, the network has also announced a key new behind-the-scenes hire.

Ryan Kadro has signed on to join the network in a program development role.

Kadro previously worked under CNN CEO Chris Licht at “CBS This Morning” and was picked to executive produce that show after Licht moved over to “The Late Show.”

Reports indicate Kadro may be tasked with focusing on CNN’s morning programming. The network’s current offering “New Day” has never made a big splash in ratings despite several anchor changes and a revamped format.

Kadro may also have a hand in launching a new 9 p.m. program to replace “Cuomo Prime Time,” which was canceled after the network fired Chris Cuomo in December 2021. Since then, rotating hosts have been filling the slot under the “CNN Tonight” banner.

9 p.m. is one of the most competitive hours in cable news, going up against ratings powerhouse “Hannity” on Fox. CNN could see an opportunity to make some inroads here, however, because MSNBC switched to having “The Rachel Maddow Show” air only on Mondays, with “Alex Wagner Tonight” airing the remaining four days of the week.

“Wagner” has performed decently in its first few days on the air, though some of that could just be linked to interest around the launch, so CNN could see that timeslot as an opportunity to work its way into second place at least some days of the week.

Prior to CNN, Kadro worked at the short-lived Quibi.