CNN set to give conservative host Scott Jennings pay raise as network tones down its Trump coverage

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: CNN is quietly upping its conservative host Scott Jennings' pay as it reportedly moves toward a more 'both-sides' commentary, according to Daily Mail.

The conservative pundit has defended President Trump and his billionaire confidant Elon Musk on various occasions since the 2024 presidential election.

CNN to raise conservative host Scott Jennings' pay

Scott Jennings, who served as a strategist under George W Bush, is said to be in the final stages of talks that will see him getting a "hefty" pay raise, according to the outlet.

Former CNN reporter Oliver Darcy, the founder of media-centered Status, revealed the news of the contract negotiations.

Darcy mentioned in his Thursday, March 6, report some of the terms of the contract and revealed how Jennings even asked for his own show.

CNN is already in the middle of a restructuring plan that will emphasize its digital imprint, per Daily Mail.

In January, Network CEO Mark Thompson said he wants CNN viewers to be able to make up their minds on issues discussed on air and mentioned 'NewsNight With Abby Phillip' as an example of a program that gives CNN panelists the freedom to disagree, per HuffPost.

Jennings has frequently clashed with Phillip on her show in recent months. He opposes critiques of Trump and Musk and seemingly always sides with their stance.

Meanwhile, insiders told Darcy that Jennings is "set to receive a substantial pay increase" weeks after Thompson reportedly demanded a tone-down in reporting when it comes to Trump.

Interestingly, the directness of conservative host Jennings could be helpful for the network at a time when many Americans have become disillusioned with not only politicians but also anchors who report on them, per the outlet.

CNN had reportedly become more and more opinionated throughout several presidencies.

Jennings emerged like a breath of fresh air during the start of Trump's first run as president. He battled with panelists like Abby Phillip and Kate Bolduan for the next few years.

Interestingly, Jennings' one-liners and well-timed eyebrow raises have continued to cater to a larger audience, delivered with a smooth Southern drawl.

Internet says CNN 'needs to do a lot more to be fair and balanced'

Amid news that CNN is planning to reward its conservative host Scott Jennings with a pay hike and tone down the network's reporting of Donald Trump, many conservative critics continued to slam the network.

A user said, "CNN needs to do a lot more to be fair and balanced. Might consider spending money on Tucker, Megyn, or Dave Rubin for shows! They’ve just gone too far left! Far left in a right leaning America is not a place to be!!"

Another said, "Congrats to Scott. He earns it in the liberal's own trenches."

A user remarked while taking a potshot at CNN, "Can you imagine having a restaurant that makes and serves food that few customers will eat and you refuse to change the menu?"

A user wrote, "People aren't watching CNN, they're watching jennings play smackdown...if he left, nobody would be interested in watching."

Another commented, "CNN is firing people and reducing salaries, but they're giving the only non-LWNJ on their propaganda outlet a pay raise."

"He is probably the only reason anyone is watching CNN. If they were not so embedded with the democrats he would have had his own show months ago," said a user while supporting Jennings.

"Well deserved!!! The only voice of sanity on that propagandist network," a comment read.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.