CNN is moving Jim Acosta to what’s often considered the media equivalent of the desert wasteland: the midnight slot on cable news. On top of that, they’re preparing to lay off more than 200 employees from their television division.

CNN Reboot

Some speculate that CNN is bowing to pressure from Donald Trump, but CEO Mark Thompson insists it’s part of a broader effort to make the network relevant again. He says the focus needs to shift toward being more digitally friendly. Haven’t they tried that before, though? Their ill-fated CNN+ streaming service only lasted a month.

CNN has announced it is laying off 200 staff from its struggling TV division, as part of CEO Mark Thompson’s long-in-the works restructuring plan to put emphasis on a digital future.

In a statement Thursday morning, Thompson warned that future is still unclear. He also told The New York Times how CNN is set to roll out a streaming service, featuring its most well-known stars.

The firings were announced in the morning, and they will affect the network’s traditional TV operations. At the moment, remains unclear if any big names were affected. – The Daily Mail

Well, Jim doesn’t seem too thrilled about the move, and rumors are swirling that he might be on the chopping block altogether—or that he’s refusing the demotion and considering quitting. If he does walk away, I’m sure The Contrarian would welcome him with open arms.

The CNN CEO said he is moving Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown into Acosta’s coveted 10:00 spot.

Acosta got a sharp smackdown from Tennessee Congressman Tim Burchett after trying to lecture the politician about being on a news program—not Fox News, where, according to Jim, “you can pull the wool over the viewers’ eyes.” Burchett wasn’t having it, delivering a cutting response that left Acosta looking less like a hard-hitting journalist and more like a flustered pundit. Bless his little heart.

HOLY COW!!! Congressman Tim Burchett just ended CNN live on air.

Jim Acosta: “This is CNN. This is the news.”

Burchett: “And that’s why more people are watching the cartoon network, Spongebob reruns right now.”

Well done, Congressman. pic.twitter.com/nIsv6iEod8

— George (@BehizyTweets) January 22, 2025

Jim Acosta is just one small example of why CNN is rethinking its approach to delivering the news—not bending the knee. Maybe that’s why CEO Mark Thompson is looking to cut loose some of the ranting social activists masquerading as journalists. With ratings in the gutter and the network needing to improve its digital footprint, he has no choice but to shake things up.

The News Moves

Cable news networks have been running 24/7 for years, but now news is even more accessible than ever. With platforms like podcasts, YouTube, TikTok, and X, people can get real-time updates and breaking stories at their fingertips anytime, anywhere. Unlike traditional cable news, which still relies on set programming and scheduled broadcasts, these digital platforms deliver news in a more flexible, on-demand format. Whether it’s a quick TikTok clip, a podcast while commuting, or a YouTube stream, the news is constantly evolving, giving people the freedom to consume it when it’s most convenient for them—no need to wait for the evening broadcast.

So yes, aside from the layoffs, revamping CNN’s online presence is probably a smart move. Even if it’s more of a rebranding effort than a true shift in direction, it does seem like they’re trying to focus on actually reporting the news with more balance and less bias. Whether this is a genuine overhaul or just a fresh coat of paint remains to be seen.

I’ll leave you all with this humorous video I found on YouTube. IT IS TOTALLY FAKE. But oh so funny, enjoy.

Look, I get it—we need journalists who push back and ask tough questions. But that shouldn’t come with an agenda or be about chasing sensationalism to boost ratings. The only goal a journalist should have is to report the facts, ask the hard questions, and deliver unbiased, straightforward reporting. It’s not about creating drama; it’s about keeping the public informed with integrity.

The Internet

The internet has changed how we get news, but it’s also divided us. With so many platforms focused on sensational headlines for clicks, we’re overwhelmed with voices—some credible, some not. Social media makes this worse by showing us only what we agree with, trapping us in echo chambers. This has blurred the line between real news and opinion, leaving many unsure who to trust. To fix this, we need to support credible journalism, demand transparency, and be more mindful of where we get our information. This has definitely inspired me to dig deeper and seek more information whenever I come across something for the first time.

News shouldn’t be entertainment. That’s what blogs are for!

Feature Image: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons/Gerald Shields, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons/Edited in Canva Pro