Prominent journalist and tech commentator Kara Swisher is officially sticking to her word, confirming that she will depart CNN once Paramount Skydance assumes full control of the network following the completion of its major acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Swisher, who initially joined CNN as an on-air contributor in November 2023, addressed her impending departure during a recent episode of her widely followed Pivot podcast, which she co-hosts with Scott Galloway. During the episode, Swisher revealed that she had actively asked to be released from her network contract, which is officially scheduled to come to a close on December 31.
Reflecting on her decision, Swisher noted that she had initially attempted to figure out a constructive path forward to work alongside CNN’s incoming corporate leadership. However, as the realities of the corporate transition settled in, her perspective shifted dramatically. The veteran journalist explained on the podcast that her thought process ultimately led her to a blunt conclusion regarding the new leadership team, bluntly stating that she had decided she simply did not want to work for them under the new corporate structure.
Swisher has maintained a remarkably consistent and transparent stance regarding her future with CNN since June, making it clear that the pending corporate ownership shift would be a dealbreaker for her tenure at the network. Now that a crucial legal hurdle has been cleared with the announcement that a formal settlement was reached this week between Paramount Skydance and a coalition of state attorneys general regarding the Warner Bros. Discovery merger, the path has been cleared for the transaction to move forward. With the corporate landscape shifting rapidly, Swisher intends to see her stated intentions through by officially cutting ties with the cable news giant by the end of the year.
While personnel changes and corporate maneuvers dominate headlines at CNN, the network is simultaneously pushing forward with major live programming and international broadcasting initiatives. CNN announced that it is once again partnering with Farm Aid to broadcast the Farm Aid 2026: Musical Festival Live. Scheduled to air on September 26 at 7 p.m. Eastern Time, the special broadcast will feature CNN anchors John Berman and Laura Coates anchoring live coverage from the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Additionally, CNN chief climate correspondent Bill Weir will provide on-the-ground reporting from the celebration, which honors music and supports family farmers across the nation.
On the international front, CNN recently unveiled a state-of-the-art broadcasting facility located in Media City Qatar, situated in Doha. Designed specifically for its expanding multiplatform programming initiative, CNN Creators, the new facility represents a significant technological and architectural investment for the network. According to network officials, the innovative open-plan design of the facility features a highly versatile studio capable of supporting a wide array of production possibilities for the show’s multiplatform team. The space seamlessly integrates a traditional studio, a modern newsroom, and a fully functional production center into a single, unified environment, with all elements placed directly in front of the camera to create a dynamic viewing experience.
Moving from global newsrooms to iconic landmarks, the entertainment and broadcasting world gathered in New York City to celebrate a major milestone in television history. Reporters and anchors from NBC News’ long-running investigative program Dateline were present at the Empire State Building to formally "light up" the iconic skyscraper ahead of the premiere of its milestone 35th season, which kicks off on Friday at 9 p.m. Eastern Time. Veteran anchors Lester Holt, Josh Mankiewicz, Blayne Alexander, and Andrea Canning were all on hand for the ceremonial lighting event, which will culminate in the Empire State Building glowing in bright blue throughout Friday night. Speaking on the significance of the venue and the milestone, Lester Holt remarked that it is entirely appropriate for a program that has firmly established itself as an icon of American television broadcasting to celebrate such a longevity milestone at one of New York City’s most globally recognized and iconic locations.
Meanwhile, the cable news revolving door continues to spin rapidly across major networks, bringing notable talent shifts, temporary appointments, and strategic promotions. Fox News announced that high-profile media personality Billy Bush is officially joining the network as a contributor who will make regular appearances across all of the network’s broadcasting and digital platforms. Bush made his official debut on the Tuesday night broadcast of Jesse Watters Primetime, signaling a new chapter for the seasoned broadcaster.
In other Fox News programming developments, veteran economic commentator Larry Kudlow has been named as the temporary anchor of Sunday Morning Futures, filling the role through November 8. Kudlow steps into the anchor chair to steer the weekend program that was previously helmed by Maria Bartiromo, whose departure from the network was formally announced on September 3, prompting a reshuffling of prominent commentary slots on the weekend schedule.
Over at CNN, leadership announced the promotion of Leigh Waldman to the role of Los Angeles-based correspondent, with her new assignment taking effect on October 12. Waldman previously served as a CNN Newsource correspondent operating out of the network’s busy New York bureau, and her transition to the West Coast bureau marks a notable step in her reporting career with the network.
Financial journalism networks are also experiencing a wave of strategic staffing appointments and newsroom expansions. CNBC announced a significant slew of new hires across its digital and broadcast desks designed to strengthen its market coverage, investing insights, and technology reporting. Among the notable additions is Megan Morrone, who joins CNBC from Axios to take on the role of technology editor. Based out of the network’s San Francisco bureau, Morrone will report directly to Christina Passariello.
Additionally, Daren Fonda has joined CNBC as a senior editor focusing on investing. Fonda makes the move to the network from Barron’s and will report to John Melloy. Further strengthening its analytical and market-facing teams, CNBC has brought on Sebastien Chasse as a senior equity analyst and reporter, alongside Paulina Likos, who joins the organization as a markets reporter following her previous work with the CNBC Investing Club, rounding out a comprehensive expansion of the network’s reporting and editorial capabilities.
