What’s Ahead for Oliver Darcy

CNN is seeing the departure of a notable figure, Oliver Darcy, as he exits the Warner Bros. Discovery-owned news outlet. Darcy, the longtime writer behind the Reliable Sources newsletter, is launching his own newsletter titled “Status,” which premiered this Thursday.

“Drawing on a deep well of sourcing and industry expertise, ‘Status’ delivers hard-hitting reporting and unflinching analysis on the Fourth Estate, Hollywood, and Silicon Valley,” Darcy explained in the inaugural edition of his new venture. “There will be no sugarcoating, no pulling punches, no sparing sensitive egos—just the unvarnished truth about the companies and individuals who shape our world.”

The “Status” newsletter is set to publish from Sundays through Thursdays, leaving the weekend news cycle to other industry players. As the media landscape experiences significant shake-ups, Darcy seems to believe that his experience and industry connections will enable him to thrive independently. His move is the latest in a string of prominent departures from TV cable news, including Tucker Carlson’s firing and subsequent independent hosting stint, as well as Don Lemon’s firing and his attempt at a new show on Elon Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter).

“Oliver has established himself as a tough but scrupulously fair leading voice in media reporting and commentary—never afraid to call it as he sees it,” CNN CEO Mark Thompson said in a statement. “He has been a great shepherd of CNN’s Reliable Sources newsletter, and we wish him every success in his new entrepreneurial adventure.”

Reliable Sources will go on hiatus until the end of summer, with Darcy’s final newsletter making no mention of his departure. However, as Variety reported, it did open with the news that Warner Bros. Discovery had a $9.1 billion write-down on its TV networks. “David Zaslav had a particularly tough day,” the opening read.

The launch of “Status” highlights Darcy’s commitment to delivering unfiltered and candid journalism in an era when media credibility is frequently scrutinized. His new venture promises to provide an insightful look into the critical sectors of media, entertainment, and technology. Whether readers follow him from CNN or discover him independently, Darcy’s unvarnished approach will likely draw significant attention.

In a time of accelerating changes within the media and entertainment industries, Darcy’s departure from CNN and the birth of “Status” signify both a personal and professional evolution. As more high-profile journalists and commentators explore independent platforms, the nature of media consumption continues to evolve, offering audiences new avenues for information and analysis.

“Status” aims to carve out a unique space for itself in the crowded media landscape, one where tough but fair journalism can thrive outside the constraints of traditional news outlets. Whether this new endeavor will meet or exceed the impact of his work at CNN remains to be seen, but Darcy’s dedication to journalistic integrity is evident in his determined approach to this fresh challenge.

As the industry watches this new chapter unfold, the “Status” newsletter could set a new standard for independent media ventures, combining rigorous reporting with the freedom to speak truth to power. Darcy’s journey might inspire other established journalists to consider their paths outside the conventional newsroom, potentially leading to a more diverse and dynamic media environment.