According to a report, CNN Chief Chris Licht plans to offer Kaitlan Collins a new contract to serve as the host of the network’s 9 p.m. primetime hour following the departure of Chris Cuomo.
This move is the culmination of Collins’ rapid ascent from a twenty-something Trump White House correspondent to the face of Licht’s “New CNN” and the primary talent on which Licht is staking his pivot to the middle.
Collins’ respectful-but-hard-hitting interview style has been instrumental to Licht’s effort to win over conservatives. Once Collins vacates her chair on the morning show, a new host, or hosts, will likely be paired with Poppy Harlow. Collins’ new role could be announced as early as next week.
Although Collins’ offer — reported by Puck News — does not depend on her performance at last night’s town hall, the unpredictability of the Trump factor means that the outcome of the 90 minutes could either enhance, expedite, or impede her career trajectory, as was the case with Megyn Kelly.
At a minimum, her performance last night will establish the tone for a new Collins era at CNN, which will continue at least until the 2024 presidential election, assuming no significant errors. For Licht, this occasion will also initiate a structured primetime approach, as opposed to the haphazard mix of low-rated town halls, specials, and talk shows that lack a consistent anchor.
The report states that Licht still has time to demonstrate his capabilities to the parent company. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zazlav may not want to acknowledge it, but he knows Licht’s shortcomings as a CEO and a 24-hour news programmer. It’s typical for WBD executives to pretend that everything is fine, but Zazlav is intelligent enough to see through this façade. Licht has experienced a few setbacks over the past year in the crucial primetime and morning slots, which are essential in the industry. Therefore, Licht must take decisive action and determine where CNN fits in the 2024 landscape.
