Former CNN correspondent Jim Acosta, known for his confrontational style, has launched a new venture on Substack. Acosta’s departure coincided with a schedule change that eliminated his daytime anchoring duties. His decision is interpreted as a response to CNN’s shift toward perceived balance and compliance. Acosta joins other high-profile journalists who moved to Substack.
Acosta’s Departure from CNN
Jim Acosta, the CNN correspondent known for his assertive interviewing style, particularly during the Trump administration, has announced his departure from the network. This move comes after a schedule change that removed Acosta’s daytime anchoring duties, signaling a shift in CNN’s programming strategy. Acosta’s exit is part of a broader trend of high-profile journalists leaving traditional media outlets for digital platforms.
In his final appearance on CNN, Acosta delivered a pointed message that hinted at his reasons for leaving. “It’s never a good time to bow down to a tyrant,” he stated, reaffirming his commitment to journalistic integrity and resistance against authoritarian tendencies. This statement aligns with Acosta’s reputation for challenging authority and defending press freedoms.
JIM ACOSTA GONE
Trump antagonist scrubbed from CNN programs.
'Hes no longer on the schedule.'
[Developing] pic.twitter.com/HbKBfpJHU1
— iSource News (@isource_news) January 24, 2025
The Launch of “The Jim Acosta Show”
Acosta’s next venture is a Substack-based show aptly titled “The Jim Acosta Show.” This digital subscription service will focus on interviews and accountability reporting, allowing Acosta to continue his brand of journalism without the constraints of traditional network structures. The move to Substack follows a trend set by other journalists like Taylor Lorenz and Jennifer Rubin, who have found success on the platform.
“hold power to account” – Jim Acosta
Acosta’s decision to launch his own show reflects a growing desire among journalists to have more control over their content and delivery. It also highlights the changing landscape of media consumption, with audiences increasingly turning to digital platforms for news and analysis.
🚨𝕏 GOOD RIDDANCE HACK JIM ACOSTA who is GONE from CNN. Good luck podcasting chump. Your ratings will be 100x worse than they were on cable. pic.twitter.com/Gd59OzEeaY
— Professor Nez (@professornez) January 28, 2025
Criticism of CNN and Media Culture
Acosta’s departure from CNN is not without controversy. Some view it as a response to what they perceive as CNN’s shift towards appeasement and a false sense of balance. Critics argue that this approach undermines journalistic integrity and contributes to the spread of misinformation.
The debate surrounding Acosta’s exit touches on larger issues within the media industry, including the balance between objectivity and accountability, the role of confrontational journalism in a polarized political climate, and the sustainability of traditional news models in the digital age.
Looking Ahead
As Acosta embarks on his new venture, the media landscape continues to evolve. His move to Substack represents a growing trend of journalists seeking independence and direct connections with their audiences. While some applaud this shift as a return to hard-hitting journalism, others question the long-term viability and impact of these individual platforms on the broader media ecosystem.
As the media industry grapples with these changes, Acosta’s journey will be closely watched. His success or failure on Substack could provide insights into the future of journalism and the viability of independent, subscription-based models for news delivery. Regardless of the outcome, Acosta’s move underscores the ongoing transformation of the media landscape and the challenges facing traditional news organizations in the digital age.
