Long-time CNN host and anchor Alisyn Camarota announced on Sunday that this would be her last time on-air at the network.
“This is my last day on air at CNN,” Camerota said in her farewell. “I’ve had such incredible opportunities here these past ten-plus years. I’ve interviewed presidents and heroes and extraordinary people — the kind of peak career experiences that I had dreamed of since I was a teenager.”
In a brief but heartfelt sign-off, she expressed gratitude to her friends and colleagues while praising the network.
The veteran anchor, who spent 16 years at Fox News before joining CNN in 2014, announced her departure in an Instagram post on Sunday morning.
“Before we go on this very busy news day, I just want to take a moment to share some personal news. This is my last day on air at CNN. I’ve had such incredible opportunities here these past ten-plus years,” she told viewers.
“I’ve interviewed presidents and heroes and extraordinary people. The kind of peak career experiences that I had dreamed of since I was a teenager. The journalists at CNN are the very best in the entire news business. And it’s been an honor to have been their colleague. It’s also an honor to have been in your homes this past decade through some of the biggest stories of our lifetimes,” Camarota continued.
“I’m always touched when a viewer comes up and tells me that I helped them get through these challenging times. So I look forward to doing much more of that with you. Please follow me on Instagram @Alisyn Camerota for updates on where to find me in the very near future,” she added.
“And to my dear friends at CNN, thank you for all of the laughs that we’ve shared, all you’ve taught me about the power of journalism. And for making my time here so deeply rewarding. I wish you all a peaceful holiday season. I’ll see you all soon.”
Co-host Wolf Blitzer, who’s been with CNN for decades, responded on-air: “I think I speak for all of our viewers here in the United States and around the world when I say we will miss you. You’re not only a good friend, but a colleague and an outstanding journalist. And I know whatever your next challenge is and adventures will be, they will be exciting and wonderful. And we just hope you will stay in touch with all of us. And we’ll follow you, of course, on Instagram as you pursue your next challenge. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us. It’s always been a pleasure for me personally and for all of our colleagues to work together with you. Appreciate it.”
Camerota lost her husband of 22 years to pancreatic cancer just months ago, a tragedy she shared with her social media followers in September, just before their 23rd wedding anniversary. She wrote then: “The kids and I are still getting our bearings. Tim imbued us with a lot of strength and stability and we’re determined to try to emulate those qualities of his… I feel incredibly lucky to have had such a deep, committed, loving partnership for the time we had.”
Her departure also comes as the network continues bleeding viewers, especially after President-elect Donald Trump’s resounding victory.
Nielsen ratings data revealed that MSNBC, home to prominent left-leaning hosts like Rachel Maddow and Joy Reid, saw a steep 23 percent decline in viewership last month compared to the same day in 2023, according to Mediaite, a liberal site that covers media industry news.
At CNN, the news was even worse, with ratings dropping by 43 percent on Thursday, according to Mediaite.
The primetime news ratings for both networks were equally disappointing, with MSNBC’s primetime viewership dropping by 54 percent and CNN’s by 30 percent compared to the same day a year ago, according to Mediaite.
