Jim Acosta, a prominent figure in American journalism, has announced his departure from CNN after nearly two decades with the network. Known for his relentless pursuit of truth and his fearless questioning of political figures, Acosta’s exit coincides with the end of an era for CNN and the broader media landscape.
Acosta’s decision came after the network offered him a new time slot at midnight, which he declined. In his farewell address, Acosta emphasized the importance of holding power to account and not bowing down to tyranny. He stated, “Don’t give in to the lies. Stand up for the truth and hold on to hope.”
Upon learning of Acosta’s announcement, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to interject that it’s “really good news.”
Jim Acosta began his journalism career in local radio and television stations, honing his skills as a reporter and anchor. He joined CNN in 2007, quickly establishing himself as a formidable journalist. He served as CNN’s Chief White House Correspondent during the Obama and Trump administrations. His tenure was marked by his tenacious questioning and his willingness to challenge those in power. Acosta’s confrontations with former President Donald Trump became iconic moments in political journalism.
One notable confrontation between Jim Acosta and Donald Trump occurred during a press conference in November 2018. Acosta questioned Trump about his characterization of the migrant caravan as an “invasion.” Trump responded by telling Acosta to let him run the country and for Acosta to run CNN. When Acosta tried to ask another question, Trump called him “a rude, terrible person” and accused CNN of being “fake news.” This exchange led to the temporary revocation of Acosta’s White House press pass, which was later restored after a legal battle.
One of Acosta’s career-defining moments was covering former President Barack Obama’s trip to Cuba in 2016. During this trip, Acosta questioned Cuban leader Raúl Castro about political prisoners, showcasing his commitment to journalistic integrity.
Throughout his career, Acosta received numerous accolades for his reporting, including the National Association of Hispanic Journalists’ Presidential Award and the Merriman Smith Memorial Award for excellence in presidential news coverage.
CNN, like many other liberal news outlets, has undergone significant changes in its editorial policy since Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Under the leadership of CEO Mark Thompson, the network has shifted its approach to covering Trump and his administration. Thompson has emphasized the importance of being forward-thinking and avoiding pre-judgment, cautioning against expressing personal outrage. This shift in editorial tone is part of a broader transformation within CNN, which includes a major restructuring and a focus on digital platforms. The network has announced layoffs in its traditional TV operations and plans to invest heavily in digital roles and products.
However, CNN is not alone in having adjusted their editorial stance on Trump since his return to the White House. For example, The Washington Post has shifted its editorial tone to a more moderate approach, aiming to deliver “Riveting Storytelling for All of America”. MSNBC is hedging its bets by softening its critical tone of conservative commentary, yet bringing back progressive pundit Rachel Maddow to a nightly schedule during Trump’s first 100 days, likely to counter the network’s post-election ratings dip. Maddow’s presence ensures that there is still a strong progressive voice on the network as her show continues to provide in-depth analysis and commentary from a liberal perspective, which helps maintain a diverse range of viewpoints on MSNBC.
The changes at CNN reflect its efforts to adapt to the evolving media landscape and maintain its relevance in a rapidly changing news environment. Acosta’s departure from the network may be at least indirectly connected to the shift in tone that is being imposed from the top by Thompson at CNN. Indeed, the network’s very identity may be in the process of changing with the political times and Acosta’s departure may be the proverbial canary in the coal mine announcing a radical departure from the former liberal point of view.
