CNN quietly upping star pundit’s pay in drastic network shift that will outrage its most liberal guests
CNN is doubling down on its most right-leaning star.
Scott Jennings, a Republican who served as a strategist under George W. Bush, is said to be in the final stages of talks that will see him handed a ‘hefty’ pay raise.
News of the contract negotiations was laid bare by former CNN reporter Oliver Darcy, now the founder of media-centered Status.
In the Thursday report, Darcy shed light on some of the terms of the contract – further revealing how Jennings even asked for his own show.
The same night it was published, the pundit again surfaced in what’s become his usual seat on NewsNight, to once again clash with progressive-minded panelists.
The dynamic has become a theme as of late for the network – as it moves toward a more ‘both-sides’ commentary.
CNN, meanwhile, is already in the midst of a long-in-the works restructuring plan – one that will emphasize its digital imprint.
Both strategies are said to be the work of chief executive Mark Thompson, and saw some 200 staffers cut from CNN’s struggling TV division earlier this year.
Scott Jennings, a Republican who served as a strategist under George W. Bush, is said to be in the final stages of talks that will see him handed a ‘hefty’ pay raise
News of the talks were first reported last night, as the pundit again surfaced in what’s become his usual seat on NewsNight. He’s seen clashing with fellow analyst Ashley Allison
WATCH: Scott Jennings battle it out on CNN panels over the past year
As for Jennings, his request for his own show – aired seven years into his CNN tenure – was reportedly shot down.
But that’s not to say his still-being-ironed-out contract is not a generous one.
In fact, according to Darcy, it’s ‘set to be quite favorable’ – if speaking from the perspective of the CNN contributor.
Insiders familiar with the matter told Darcy he’s ‘set to receive a substantial pay increase’ as well – weeks after Thompson reportedly demanded a tone-down in reporting when it comes Donald Trump.
The British C-Suiter was brought in late last summer to right a sinking ratings ship following the failures of former Late Show showrunner.
He was able to address similar situations at both The New York Times and BBC before – but now has his work cut out for him.
The directness of Jennings, a clear-cut conservative, could be helpful, at a time where many Americans have become disillusioned with not only politicians, but the TV personalities who report on them.
Simultaneously, CNN – over the course of several presidencies – has become increasingly opinionated.
The dynamic has become a theme as of late for the network – as it moves toward a more ‘both-sides’ commentary. The strategy is said to be the work of chief executive Mark Thompson, and saw some 200 staffers cut from CNN’s struggling TV division earlier this year
Toward the start of Trump’s first presidency, Jennings emerged like a breath of fresh air, doing battle with panelists. Since then, his one-liners and well-timed eyebrow raises have continued to draw attention
CNN Analyst scolds Scott Jennings as he complains everyone ‘yelling’ at him
Toward the start of Trump’s first presidency, Jennings emerged like a breath of fresh air, doing battle with panelists like Abby Phillip and Kate Bolduan for the next several years.
Since then, his one-liners and well-timed eyebrow raises have continued to captivate while catching the eyes and ears of many – delivered with a smooth Southern drawl.
Onlookers from both sides of the aisle particularly took notice of Jennings – and his repeated four-against-one faceoffs with fellow panelists – he pierced through the noise on November 6 with his brutal explanation of why Trump won by a landslide.
At the same time, CNN ended 2024 with some of its lowest ratings ever, barely beating MSNBC.
‘Turning a great news organization toward the future is not a one-day affair,’ Thompson wrote in a staff memo sent in July, when 100 people were laid off – before another 200 were nixed in January.
