'America Needs CNN to Be Strong': Stelter Says He's Rooting for the Network in Last Monologue
Brian Stelter may be out at CNN, but he’s going to be “rooting” for the network going forward.
During his final monologue on “Reliable Sources” Sunday, Stelter noted that it was a “really, really unusual day” as it is rare for a network to cancel a show but let it have one more episode.
He went on to thank former CNN president Jeff Zucker for “believing in me, for having the back of this organization for so many years, for having my back through everything.”
The host also thanked current CNN CEO Chris Licht “for letting us say goodbye.”
“This show’s going away. But there’s going to be so many more. We need to have room for media criticism and debate and discussion — and we will,” Stelter continued. “So much of the media ecosystem in 2022 is garbage, but so much of it is spectacular. The hard part is sorting out the treasure from the trash.”
Finally, he said, “CNN must remain strong… I’m going to be rooting for it. I want CNN to be strong. I believe America needs CNN to be strong. I believe the free world needs CNN to be strong.”
Watch the video below:
"The free world needs a reliable source," Brian Stelter says as he signs off from Reliable Sources for the last time. pic.twitter.com/C0xK8Fx6Yq
— Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) August 21, 2022
On Thursday, it was revealed that Stelter would be departing the network, and that his show “Reliable Sources” would also be ended.
“Reliable Sources” was the longest-running show in the network’s history.
A spokesperson for the network told Fox News Digital, “CNN will end its ‘Reliable Sources’ program on Sunday, August 21st. As a result, Brian Stelter will leave the company. We appreciate his contributions to the network and wish him well as he embarks on new endeavors.”
Stelter tweeted Thursday, “I loved anchoring [Reliable Sources]. It was a rare privilege to lead a weekly show focused on the press at a time when it has never been more consequential.”
I loved anchoring @ReliableSources. It was a rare privilege to lead a weekly show focused on the press at a time when it has never been more consequential. And here's the thing…
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) August 18, 2022
During a meeting on Friday, Licht reportedly told staffers to expect “more changes,” according to the New York Post.
“This is a time of change, and I know that it’s unsettling,” Licht reportedly said, adding, “There will be more changes, and you might not understand it or like it all.”
He added that CNN will “continue covering media stories, including on TV, when warranted.”
Additionally, Licht called Stelter “a great human being” and expressed appreciation for “all that Brian has done to build the media beat for CNN.”
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