CNN veteran Poppy Harlow has announced she will be leaving the network next week after an illustrious 16-year career.
Harlow joined CNN in 2008 at the young age of 25, bringing fresh energy but no live TV experience.
She quickly ascended the ranks, becoming a respected journalist known for her thorough coverage of major events such as the financial crises, the Boston bombing, and the Paris terror attacks.
Recently, Harlow was seen co-hosting "CNN This Morning." However, the New York Post reported that the show did not meet network expectations in terms of ratings and faced additional challenges, ultimately leading to its cancellation. This left Harlow in a precarious position within the company.
After "CNN This Morning" was discontinued, Harlow was left without a clear role at CNN. Although a new position was offered, she chose to decline.
This decision came shortly after firing her co-host, Don Lemon, who had been involved in on-air controversies, including a notable disagreement with another co-host, Kaitlan Collins.
Mark Thompson, the CNN boss, expressed his admiration for Harlow's capabilities. "Poppy is a unique talent who combines formidable reporting and interviewing prowess with a human touch that audiences have always responded to," he remarked. Amy Entelis, another CNN leader, echoed this sentiment.
CNN's leadership supports Harlow's departure. They praise her professional abilities and significant contributions to journalism, a mutual respect that underscores Harlow's impact on the network.
Harlow shared her feelings about her time at CNN in a reflective and heartfelt email to her colleagues. She wrote, "When I walked in the door at CNN in 2008, I was 25 years old and had never been on live TV. Green is an understatement! I grew up here: as a journalist and as a person."
She noted that her experience at CNN has been transformative, shaping her not only as a journalist but as a leader and an individual. She emphasized her gratitude for the opportunities and experiences she enjoyed at CNN.
Amy Entelis commented on Harlow's departure: “Poppy leaves CNN after more than 16 memorable years, thousands of hours in the anchor chair, and hundreds of reports from the field... Poppy is a brilliant journalist who sets the standard for reporting with compassion and humanity, and we will miss her.”
Despite the professional turmoil and the uncertainties of transitioning from a once staple morning show, Harlow has chosen to focus on personal growth and family. "For now, I plan to walk our children to school and pick them up...and to support the evolution of journalism in every way I can, while preserving the human(ity) in it."
Poppy Harlow's departure marks the end of an era for CNN, during which she grew from a novice to a notable figure in journalism. Her time at the network was punctuated by coverage of critical events and anchoring during tumultuous times. As she steps away, the lessons and experiences from CNN will undoubtedly influence her future endeavors.
