CNN’s Lineup Changes: The Flawed Thinking Behind Mark Thompson’s Latest Move | Analysis

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With stars like Jake Tapper and Anderson Cooper still entrenched, the struggling network’s latest programming shake-up feels like a cosmetic fix to much larger challenges

Jake Tapper CNN screenshot
Jake Tapper on "The Lead" (Credit: CNN)

CNN made some key changes to its lineup on Thursday, including removing Jim Acosta, one of its best-known reporters, from his daily morning show. But will those tweaks be enough to win back viewers? Such improvement appears unlkely, as CEO Mark Thompson continues to seek a broader framework to address the formidable array of challenges plaguing CNN’s entire business model.

Yes, ditching Acosta — who has had a well-publicized contentious relationship with President Donald Trump, who reentered the White House this week — was a notable move, one that many will perceive as an olive branch to the new administration.

Still, the changes are more cosmetic than colossal: Jake Tapper, perhaps the network’s most respected anchor, saw his start time moved back an hour to 5 p.m.

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