CNN slammed over moving Trump critic Jim Acosta's show to Midnight ET slot: 'Absolutely disgraceful'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: CNN is reportedly considering a new time slot for Donald Trump's critic Jim Acosta's show and people are not happy with it, Status News reported.

Notably, Acosta has anchored a 10 am ET show for almost a year, having moved from a weekend time slot, according to Deadline. He was informed that the network wanted to make the move as part of an anchor shuffle, according to a source.

CNN plans to move Trump critic Jim Acosta's show to Midnight ET Slot

CNN chief Mark Thompson called Jim Acosta on Wednesday, January 15, to propose that his show, 'CNN Newsroom with Jim Acosta', be moved from its 10 am ET time slot to midnight.

Notably, the proposal was made when the CNN boss made a massive decision of moving Wolf Blitzer to mornings.

Moreover, Acosta was informed that the move was about accommodating the logistics of Blitzer’s new schedule and not about his ratings or editorial style, per the outlet.

Thompson reportedly told Acosta that the 12 am ET time slot would air his show during prime time hours on the West Coast and be simulcast internationally.

However, some believe that the overhaul at CNN might be about more than just logistics as Trump's inaugural ceremony is just days away.

A media executive told Darcy, per Daily Beast, "They want to get rid of Acosta to throw a bone to Trump. Midnight is not a serious offer when his ratings are among the best on the network."

Moreover, CNN has long been dealing with maneuvers that put more of a spotlight on digital content, and staffers have become anxious over what those ideas will lead to, per Variety.

Furthermore, layoffs have long been expected, as per two people familiar with the situation, along with new tweaks to the schedule of the company’s flagship cable network, the outlet stated.

Jim Acosta's testy relationship with Donald Trump

Jim Acosta has a testy relationship with Trump, who he covered as a White House correspondent during the first Trump administration. The president-elect had many tense interactions with the CNN anchor and even called him "a rude, terrible person".

The White House revoked Acosta’s press pass in 2018 after he verbally sparred with Trump at a press conference, according to Daily Beast. Trump told him back then, "CNN should be ashamed of itself having you working for them."

Interstingly, Acosta is reportedly seriously considering the midnight slot offer.

He said as he signed off from his show on Thursday, January 16 morning, "I want to take a moment to talk about something President Biden said during his farewell address. He warned the free press is crumbling in this country. I would add, that’s only if we, the people, let that happen."

Internet slams CNN for planning to move Jim Acosta's show to Midnight ET Slot

Several internet users slammed the media network as they are reportedly considering a new time slot for Donald Trump critic Jim Acosta's show.

A user wrote on X, "Hey ⁦@CNN⁩, this would be a bull**** move. ⁦@Acosta⁩ is one of the best & most independent voices you have," while one added, "You are consistently last among the big three cable networks. Do you really think f***** over a talented, decent, and honorable journalist like @Acosta will help you with your viewers?"

A person also stated, "CNN punished @Acosta to appease Donald Trump and it’s absolutely f*****g disgusting," whereas one mentioned, "This is absolutely disgraceful. CNN reportedly wants to move @Acosta to the midnight time slot to keep him from annoying Trump. That’s not how journalism works, and Jim deserves better than this."

A user also wrote, "If CNN had more reporters like Jim Acosta, I might actually stop boycotting the network," while one commented, "The insanity @CNNPolitics @Acosta."

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