Don Lemon and Jim Acosta reportedly ‘safe’ at CNN

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Despite the ouster of CNN chief media correspondent Brian Stelter, who critics said was becoming overly vocal with progressive views on air, the network reportedly has no plans to part ways with Don Lemon or Jim Acosta, two anchors who have frequently been placed in the same category as Stelter, reports The Wrap.

Lemon currently anchors “Don Lemon Tonight” for the network while Acosta, a former White House correspondent who ran afoul with the Trump administration multiple times, anchors weekends.

A source told The Wrap that Lemon and Acosta are expected to stick around under the new leadership, who is reportedly looking to make the network more neutral.

Stelter anchored his last edition of “Reliable Sources” Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, before parting ways with CNN. His departure had been announced previously, along with CNN’s decision to cancel “Reliable” altogether after over 30 years on the air of covering the media industry, including CNN itself.

Stelter was reportedly being paid just shy of $1 million a year to host the show, appear across CNN and pen a daily email newsletter on the media industry and had about three years left on a four-year deal.

Terms of his severance deal have not been reported.

“Reliable” had never been a standout ratings success — even under previous hosts — though it has been hailed as a watchdog of the media industry.

CNN often trails Fox and MSNBC in most ratings, including Lemon and Acosta’s shows.

Stelter’s departure was not surprising after reports that new CNN owners Warner Bros. Discovery want to make the network more “middle of the road” and focused on news over analysis. Lemon and Acosta’s status were also widely questioned and it’s still possible they might end up leaving either by choice or due to management decisions.

WBD is also said to be on the hunt for significant cost savings as part of its pledge to investors. It’s also facing pressure after losing millions to the failed launch of the CNN+ streamer earlier in 2022. That service, which included a daily show from Stelter and a weekly show from Lemon, shut down after less than a month of operation.