Jake Tapper has been recruited to take over Chris Cuomo’s former 9pm primetime position on CNN. This is the latest in a series of dramatic adjustments implemented by the network in an effort to shed the impression of being too liberal.
Tapper, the outlet’s primary Washington anchor, will occupy the coveted timeslot through this year’s midterm elections, according to a statement released by the network on Thursday. His tenure will begin on October 10 and continue through November 11.
The position, which was formerly held by Cuomo until he was fired for assisting brother Andrew through his sexual misconduct crisis, is currently temporary but might become permanent if Tapper, 53, attracts viewers.
Since Cuomo’s dismissal last December, the hour’s ratings have fallen due to the network’s inability to fill the position long identified with the host, who will begin his new role as an anchor for the non-partisan network NewNation in October.
Since 52-year-old Cuomo’s departure, the time slot has been filled by a series of rotating hosts, who have failed to generate the same level of viewership.
It also follows CNN’s announcement of a’reimagined’ morning show with Trump-hating host Don Lemon, despite new CEO Chris Licht’s pledges to steer the network away from left-leaning commentary and rebuild public trust in the media.
Jake Tapper, CNN’s top Washington anchor, will occupy the prestigious time slot through the 2018 midterm elections, the network confirmed in a statement on Thursday, October 10th.
The world has grown to rely on Jake’s no-nonsense approach to covering the news, especially during high-stakes election cycles, said the network’s chief executive in a statement announcing the latest shakeup.
The CEO continued, “This move will highlight his tough reporting, insightful analysis, and impactful interviews as our readers navigate the plethora of issues at stake in the midterm elections.”
Licht, who oversaw Stephen Colbert’s Late Show for six years until it was announced in February that he would replace also-fired boss Jeff Zucker, stated that in addition to the 9pm change, anchor Alisyn Camerota and legal analyst Laura Coates will now share the 10 pm to 12 am time slot vacated by Lemon.