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From Fox News: Ousted CNN host Brian Stelter announced he’s returning to the network after the leadership that handed him a pink slip in 2022 was similarly shown the door.
“I am thrilled to share that I am returning as the lead author of CNN’s Reliable Sources newsletter, the digest I founded in 2015,” Stelter wrote in a “surprise” message to “Reliable Sources” readers on Tuesday. “I’m returning to CNN in a brand new role as Chief Media Analyst, which means I’ll be appearing on air, developing digital content, and helming this newsletter.”
Stelter said his return to CNN, which officially starts Sept. 9, won’t be the same as his previous stint at the network, insisting “because I am different.”
“The media industry has matured, CNN has evolved, and I have changed a lot since I signed off two years ago,” Stelter wrote. “After 20+ years as a news junkie, I changed my habits and tuned out for a bit. I also changed my vantage point, moving from Manhattan to a horse farm near one of Donald Trump’s golf clubs. 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.”
Stelter was fired from CNN in 2022 after a nine-year stint, and was well known for his repeated attacks against Trump, including pushing the now-debunked “Russia collusion” hoax.
We wanted Reliable Sources readers to find out first. So I wrote them a letter: https://t.co/UPSopYHRbA pic.twitter.com/7xBWp4dcno
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) September 3, 2024
Highlighting the “sheer amount of talent at CNN,” Stelter announced, “And now I get to collaborate with them again. The Reliable Sources newsletter will officially relaunch on Monday. We’re going to reimagine the digest and deliver what you value most. Everyone and everything is a source now. So what’s reliable?”
And now I get to collaborate with them again. The Reliable Sources newsletter will officially relaunch on Monday. We’re going to reimagine the digest and deliver what you value most. Everyone and everything is a source now. So what’s reliable?
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) September 3, 2024
In additional posts on X, Stelter wrote:
I’m coming back to CNN with a fresh perspective. See, I always scoffed at people who said “getting fired was the best thing that’s ever happened to me” — until it happened to me. After 20+ years as a news junkie, I changed my media habits. I tuned out for a bit…
and I was incredibly lucky to have time as a stay-at-home dad. In the hours when Sunny and Story were at school, I tried on a variety of other hats: Harvard fellow, BBC talking head, magazine writer. I wrote for 20+ outlets and learned about the ups and downs of freelancing…
and I was incredibly lucky to have time as a stay-at-home dad. In the hours when Sunny and Story were at school, I tried on a variety of other hats: Harvard fellow, BBC talking head, magazine writer. I wrote for 20+ outlets and learned about the ups and downs of freelancing…
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) September 3, 2024
…and I experienced the news more like an everyday consumer. In doing so, I learned a whole lot about the attention economy and the information ecosystem. So this time around will be different, because I am different.
I’m thrilled to join the ranks of CNN analysts – alongside names I admire like @JoanBiskupic, @JohnMillerCNN, @PeterBergenCNN, @ElieHonig, @GloriaBorger, @BiannaGolodryga, @RonBrownstein and so many more.
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) September 3, 2024
Here’s the thing: Reliable Sources has been outstanding for the past two years. I admired @OliverDarcy’s fearless reportage, as well as his decision to launch Status last month. I’m rooting for Oliver and I think we’re going to complement each other wonderfully.
I’ll be back on TV in a few days, but first I need to get my kids ready for a new school year and pick up a new CNN badge. If you’re not already on the Reliable Sources newsletter list, sign up now! >>> https://t.co/w2ev5umqQk
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) September 3, 2024
Stelter’s return to CNN is being met with widespread mockery from conservatives.
“This hilarious news,” quipped podcaster and former FBI agent Kyle Seraphin.
This hilarious news.
— Kyle Seraphin (@KyleSeraphin) September 3, 2024
“Oh, the comedy value of CNN is about to SKYROCKET 😂😂😂,” joked Travis.
Oh, the comedy value of CNN is about to SKYROCKET 😂😂😂
— 🇺🇸Travis🇺🇸 (@Travis_4_Trump) September 3, 2024
Bill D’Agostino of NewsBusters posted a video montage of Stelter’s many wild claims and attacks against former President Donald Trump from the past.
“Brian Stelter is returning to CNN as their chief media analyst. Here’s Brian back before he left the network. Apparently CNN looked at this and said, “Yes, more of that, please,”” mocked D’Agostino.
Brian Stelter is returning to CNN as their chief media analyst.
Here’s Brian back before he left the network. Apparently CNN looked at this and said, “Yes, more of that, please.” pic.twitter.com/MRdHCSEOED— Bill D’Agostino (@Banned_Bill) September 4, 2024
Will you be bringing your #TDS along with you into the new role?
— Not a dumb blonde👩🏻🦳 (@BlondeMAGAinNJ) September 4, 2024
CNN and “reliable sources” aren’t two things I ever thought I’d see in the same sentence.
— Ashley Muñoz 🇺🇸 (@RedLady2024) September 3, 2024
The potato is back in the frying pan.
— ZNO 🇺🇸 (@therealZNO) September 3, 2024
Throwback to when @BrianStelter claimed in 2017 that @KellyannePolls was spreading “misinformation” when she called the Steele dossier “completely unverified” — with Stelter arguing “much” of the dossier was verified. The Steele dossier was total bullshit.pic.twitter.com/3gV20j5iZL https://t.co/LY2cyJxTvZ
— Jerry Dunleavy IV 🇺🇸 (@JerryDunleavy) September 3, 2024
Brian Stelter returning to CNN after dramatic ousting by network’s old boss: ‘Surprise!’ https://t.co/vbkTgRkPO6
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 4, 2024
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