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Billionaire Trump donor John Malone, an influential shareholder for CNN, was personally behind the firing of Brian Stelter from CNN.
CNN fired Brian Stelter and canceled his failing show, Reliable Sources. Stelter confirmed the news to NPR.
In a statement to NPR, Stelter said he’s thankful for the show and his team’s examination of “the media, truth and the stories that shape our world.”
“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.
Amy Entelis, CNN’s executive Vice President for talent and content development said, “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.”
Jon Nicosia tweeted that Brian Stelter’s firing came from a decision by Discovery Board member, John Malone.
John Malone is a billionaire Trump donor who has promised to make changes to CNN after his company bought a controlling stake in it.
Malone owns shares for WarnerBros. Discovery.
The New York Post reported:
Malone is an influential force at WarnerBros. Discovery. He has been vocal about his preferences for CNN’s future path as the merger between the two companies moved forward over the last year.
“I would like to see CNN evolve back to the kind of journalism that it started with, and actually have journalists, which would be unique and refreshing,” Malone said during an interview with CNBC last November.
“I do believe good journalism could have a role in this future portfolio that Discovery-TimeWarner’s going to represent,” he added at the time.
The Daily Mail reported on the relationship between Stelter and Jeff Zucker:
A source told DailyMail.com: ‘Chris is really focused on CNN turning a corner. He actually listens to what people want and isn’t driven by ego.
‘He’s moving CNN back to the center, he abolished the ridiculous breaking news cut ins and graphics that drove everyone crazy and he knows that no one will shed a tear re Toobin’s departure, especially the women of CNN.’
A cable news veteran, who wishes not to be named, spoke of the close relationship between Stelter and Zucker.
‘Brian Stelter should be calling his agent to start looking for another job,’ they said. ‘He’s been Jeff Zucker’s water boy for years and no one believes he didn’t know about all of this.’
Gollust and Zucker lived in the same apartment building with their respective families, have worked together at NBC and then CNN for more than 20 years, and had what some called an ‘uncomfortably cozy’ rapport.
CNN boss Chris Licht said that more changes are on the way.
