CNN's morning changes start next week.
Kasie Hunt noted the end of the "Early Start" brand after 12 years as show will take on the "CNN This Morning with Kasie Hunt" as it expands to a second hour. I wonder if she will continue anchoring from the flash cam position, or if they will invest in a crew to have her do the two hours from an actual studio in DC. (Since CNN seems to be making cuts in the morning, I guess I shouldn't hold my breath.) Also wondering if the open and theme will be kept.
Poppy Harlow and Phil Mattingly thanked the staff, including the studio and control room crews, for their hard work making them look good. I believe all of these positions are being eliminated as this version of the New York-based broadcast has essentially been cut. Hoping to see Phil and Poppy stay prominent faces on the network and that CNN treats the other employees well.
Kate Bolduan, John Berman and Sara Sidner announced their new 7-10 a.m. hours. John joked "You might say that we are reimagining the CNN News Central schedule, but we're sure you know that because you've seen all the promos," adding "This is called a soft launch because we don't want to set expectations too high, but we are allowed to say we'll be a revolution in morning television. CNN News Central, more news, less waiting, fewer chairs." Sara thanked Poppy, Phil and the NY and Atlanta teams.
Edit: I just noticed some changes in the 4 a.m. hour as well. It used to be "CNN Newsroom with Max Foster and Bianca Nobilo," and they made a point of announcing this team for the U.S. viewers beginning November 1, 2022 (when the Don Lemon version of CNN This Morning launched). But this past Monday it was just "CNN Newsroom with Max Foster." And then since Tuesday morning, it's been an AC360 repeat. CNN's website shows CNN Newsroom listed for next week, so I'm not sure what's going on.