CNN’s “Reliable Sources” host Brian Stelter, who has been struggling with ratings for years, confirmed Thursday that he is leaving the network as a spokesperson for CNN also confirmed his show is being canceled.
In a statement to news outlets, Stelter said he was grateful to host the show. “It was a rare privilege to lead a weekly show focused on the press at a time when it has never been more consequential,” Stelter said, saying that his final episode will be Sunday.
“I’m grateful for my nine years with CNN, proud of what we accomplished on ‘Reliable Sources’ and so thankful for the viewers who tuned in every week for our examination of the media, truth, and the stories that shape our world,” he said, adding, “I’ll have more to say on Sunday.”
“Reliable Sources” is the longest-running show on CNN, celebrating its 30th anniversary in March 2022. Stelter, who previously worked for The New York Times, has hosted it for about a decade.
A spokesperson for CNN confirmed that “Reliable Sources” would also end. The network is wishing Stelter well, the spokesperson added.
“CNN will end its Reliable Sources program on Sunday, August 21st. As a result Brian Stelter will leave the company. We appreciate his contributions to the network and wish him well as he embarks on new endeavors,” the company said Thursday.
Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent at CNN Worldwide, also confirmed his departure, saying: “Stelter came to CNN from the New York Times as the nation’s top media reporter. He departs CNN an impeccable broadcaster. We are proud of what Brian and his team accomplished over the years, and we’re confident their impact and influence will long outlive the show.”
Ratings
For months now, Stelter’s ratings have continued to plunge to new depths. Nielsen data for June showed his show had the smallest monthly audience in two decades among the 25–54 age demographic that is coveted by advertisers, Fox News reported.Stelter, like Jim Acosta, has essentially become one of the faces of CNN’s dramatic shift toward left-wing politics in recent years. Stelter’s show would often target conservative-leaning media and commentators—namely Tucker Carlson—while accusing them of spreading disinformation and falsehoods.
During the 2020 election, amid reports about Hunter Biden’s overseas business deals, Stelter suggested emails sourced from his infamous laptop were part of a disinformation plot.
“There’s a lot about this story that does not add up,” Stelter told his viewers in 2020. “And, I mean, for all we know, these emails were made up, or maybe some are real and some are fakes, we don’t know. But we do know that this is a classic example of the right-wing media machine.”
However, about a week ago, Stelter admitted on his show that a federal investigation targeting Hunter Biden’s deals could derail President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign.
“What about his son? What about Hunter?” Stelter asked on Aug. 8. “Hunter under federal investigation, charges can be coming at any time, this is not just a right-wing media story. This is a real problem for the Bidens.”
