The New York Post reports that Oliver Darcy, a well-known media critic who previously worked at CNN, has resigned from the network.
At 33 years old, Darcy is embarking on a new venture with the launch of “Status,” a subscription-based newsletter.
Having expressed criticism in the past, especially towards former CNN CEO Chris Licht, Darcy aims to ensure a strong independent voice with this new platform. He highlighted that the initiative is self-funded and independently operated.
“Status” will feature a blend of topics from Silicon Valley dynamics to the intricacies of presidential politics, alongside the evolving role of artificial intelligence in news. As Darcy mentioned, the idea is to provide unique insights that are not matched by existing products. “There are no backers. Just me,” Darcy emphasized about the funding of his venture.
Set to launch this Monday, “Status” will be initiated under an undisclosed sponsoring partner. The subscription rates are set at $15 per month or $150 annually, with a special tier giving access to private Zoom calls for $595 a year.
The timeline of Darcy's departure comes at a transformative period for CNN. Under the umbrella of Warner Bros. Discovery, the network is navigating through a major organizational overhaul, including the layoff of 100 employees. Moreover, the parent company recently disclosed a substantial net loss of $10 billion for the second quarter of this year.
Darcy joined CNN in 2017, stepping into a more prominent role with “Reliable Sources” after the 2022 departure of Brian Stelter. His new endeavor denotes a pivot to a markedly different journalistic format, emphasizing independence and direct subscriber support.
CNN’s current CEO, Mark Thompson, spoke highly of Darcy, acknowledging his impartial and rigorous approach to media reporting. “Oliver has established himself as a tough but scrupulously fair leading voice in media reporting and commentary – never afraid to call it as he sees it,” said Thompson.
Enhancing the reach and operational capabilities of “Status,” there is a promotional link-up with The Ankler, a media startup. This partnership aims to leverage advertising sales effectively, providing a sustainable model for Darcy’s journalistic endeavors.
This strategic move showcases a shift in media consumption and production, where journalists seek new ways to maintain financial independence and editorial integrity.
We are trying to connect all these dots on a nightly basis. My pitch to readers is this is a 100% independent voice. I don’t think there’s one product out there that does exactly what we do.
While “Reliable Sources” is scheduled for a seasonal hiatus and slated for a fall return with a fresh face, the extensive restructuring of CNN hints at deeper strategic redirections possibly aligned with the evolving media consumption habits.
As Darcy sets the stage with “Status,” the media industry watches closely. Here's a journalist stepping away from the traditional news network, steering towards a path that promises greater personal editorial control and direct interaction with his audience. This transition illuminates Darcy's career trajectory and exemplifies broader shifts in the landscape where media personalities bridge directly with their viewers, bypassing traditional platforms.
