Stelter Is Back at CNN

Brian Stelter returns to CNN as Chief Media Analyst after two-year hiatus from the network – but why is he back? And what can we expect?

At a Glance

• Brian Stelter rejoined CNN as chief media analyst and will author the “Reliable Sources” newsletter.
• The Sunday morning “Reliable Sources” show will not return.
• Stelter replaces Oliver Darcy, who left to start his own news site.
• CNN’s chief executive, Mark Thompson, praised Stelter as a top media commentator.

Brian Stelter’s Role at CNN

Brian Stelter rejoins CNN as its chief media analyst following a two-year departure resulting from CNN’s restructuring efforts. 

Stelter’s new responsibilities include leading the “Reliable Sources” newsletter, making television appearances, and producing digital content. Stelter started at CNN in 2013 and left in 2022 amid network reprogramming under Chris Licht’s leadership. His return is marked by a blend of industry changes, but suggests that CNN could be pivoting back to being one of the most partisan networks on television.

In his announcement, Stelter revealed his enthusiasm for taking on new challenges at the network.

The Sunday morning “Reliable Sources” show will not be revived as part of Stelter’s new role – so you can sigh a sigh of relief. 

Instead, Stelter will serve as an on-air analyst and the main author of the newsletter he founded in 2015. He replaces Oliver Darcy, who left CNN to start his own news site, Status. Stelter’s reinstatement comes after negotiations that began following Darcy’s departure.

“Hello again, it’s Brian Stelter—yes, really. 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 announced in his first newsletter entry. 

The first edition under his leadership is scheduled for publication on September 9.

Shifts in Perspective During Hiatus

During his time away from CNN, Stelter reflected on the evolution of the media and his role in it. 

“I always scoffed at people who said ‘getting fired was the best thing that’s ever happened to me’ — until, well, it happened to me,” Stelter said about his firing.

Stelter emphasized that his return would reflect the changes within himself and the broader media industry. 

“It will be different, 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 to newsletter subscribers, indicating a new trajectory for the publication he once helmed.

CNN’s Leadership and Structural Reforms

CNN, now under the leadership of Mark Thompson, a former chief of The New York Times and BBC, continues to implement organizational changes. Recently, the network cut approximately 100 staffers, equating to about 3% of its workforce, as part of a shift towards a video-based future.

Thompson said that he is “very happy to welcome Brian back to CNN in this new role.” 

With a renewed focus and perspective, Stelter is poised to contribute significantly to CNN’s media analysis offerings, reflecting both personal and professional growth during his hiatus – at least, that’s what he seems to be indicating. Whether he does things differently or not is yet to be seen.