Brian Stelter Returns to CNN, 2 Years After Being Fired: ‘Yes, Really’

Journalist Brian Stelter is making a return to CNN after being ousted from the cable television network over two years ago during a significant reshuffle. Stelter, 39, announced on Tuesday that he will lead the “Reliable Sources” newsletter, which he first started in 2015.

Previously, Stelter was let go in August 2022 when the network’s former CEO, Chris Licht, decided to end the “Reliable Sources” program. Stelter had been anchoring the show since 2013, making it CNN’s longest-running show at the time it was canceled.

“This is not going to be a ‘Back to the Future’ remake,” Stelter assured in the newsletter. He mentioned that both the media industry and CNN have evolved, and he himself has undergone significant changes since signing off two years ago.

“I loved my old life as the anchor of a Sunday morning show but, to borrow some lingo from my video game blogger days, I finished that level of the game. Time for new levels, new challenges,” Stelter shared.

Stelter’s return comes on the heels of former CNN media reporter Oliver Darcy leaving the network to start his own media newsletter. Stelter will now serve as the chief media analyst. His duties will include appearing on air, distributing digital content, and managing the newsletter, which he promises will be “different, because I am different.”

Following his firing, Stelter noted changes in his news consumption habits. He moved out of Manhattan to a horse farm near one of former President Donald Trump’s golf clubs. He stated, “I experienced the news more like an everyday consumer, and in doing so, I learned a whole lot about the attention economy and the information ecosystem. I’m looking forward to sharing what I learned with you.”

During his two-year break from CNN, Stelter, who is married to NY1 anchor Jamie Stelter, wrote for various publications and made occasional appearances on CNN. His departure from CNN was a result of Licht’s efforts to make the network more balanced politically after accusations of veering too much to the left during Trump’s presidency.

Although CNN experienced high ratings during Trump’s tenure, viewership decreased after he left office. “Reliable Sources” saw some of its lowest ratings in the months leading up to Stelter’s dismissal.

Licht eventually resigned last year after a revealing magazine profile caused discontent among staff and senior figures. He was succeeded by former New York Times and BBC executive Mark Thompson.

Source: NY Post