On Wednesday, TVNewser reported that CNN is canceling “Unguarded” as the network slashes 8% of its workforce even as some of its top anchors rake in millions of dollars. Rachel Nichols, who was Zucker’s first hire at the network, hosted the show. Zucker courted Nichols at a diner over “really good eggs” and $12 pancakes” and eventually lured the former ESPN reporter to CNN.
“We’re just thrilled that a sports journalist of Rachel’s stature and expertise will now be a regular part of the CNN lineup,” Zucker said when announcing her hire. “Her arrival … is an important step in expanding the range of programming and storytelling on CNN.”
The show turned out to be a ratings disaster. Nichols may not have helped matters when she went on Piers Morgan’s show (Morgan’s show was canceled, and he was let go.) to promote her show and implied that supporting the Second Amendment was not “mainstream,” saying NASCAR may turn off “mainstream” Americans by allowing the National Rifle Association (NRA) to sponsor a race in Texas.
Credit to BreitBart.com who originally published this story
Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
