Former CNN Anchor Reflects on Network Challenges

A former CNN anchor has shared that the extensive coverage of alleged Russian collusion during Donald Trump’s inauguration significantly contributed to the network’s declining viewership, impacting as much as “30 or 40% of the country.”

Dave Briggs, who co-hosted CNN’s “Early Start” from 2017 to 2019, expressed on a podcast that the network’s focus on investigating whether Russia assisted Trump in defeating Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election alienated a large portion of Central America.

He noted this concern directly with the network’s leadership, feeling that their strategy was misguided.

“Every day I came in and discussed the focus on Russian investigations when the audience wasn’t really engaged,” he reflected on the “Sane with Alisyn & Dave” podcast. “I believe that was when they started losing this significant part of their viewership.”

Briggs emphasized that this fixation on Russia turned off many potential viewers. “When I chat with friends across the country—outside this East Coast bubble—what I often hear is, ‘I just want to know what else is happening in the world,'” he said, suggesting that this disconnect led people away from CNN.

A source from CNN mentioned that in 2017, Special Counsel Robert Mueller initiated a probe into Russia’s interference in the U.S. election and the Trump campaign’s possible ties to Russia, concluding there was systemic interference, but not enough evidence for a criminal conspiracy.

During this time, Jeff Zucker managed CNN, which saw a significant ratings increase, especially during the tumultuous 2020 election. Yet, by early 2021, viewership dropped sharply, plummeting by 36% shortly after Biden was inaugurated.

Following this slump, Zucker resigned in early 2022 for not revealing his romantic relationship with a fellow executive. The decline in ratings worsened after Trump’s contentious 2024 re-election, with primetime viewership dwindling to under 420,000 by late 2024—the lowest in nearly three decades.

As of May 2025, CNN was averaging only 405,000 viewers, with a meager demographic of just 74,000 people aged 25 to 54.

Facing these challenges, CNN is now undergoing significant restructuring amidst historic low ratings and revenue dips. In early 2025, the network laid off 6% of its workforce and is exploring further cost-cutting measures, including salary reductions and strict spending limits.

CEO Mark Thompson aims to invest $70 million in digital initiatives to target a $1 billion revenue goal by 2030.

Meanwhile, as uncertainty looms regarding a transition to a new broadcasting division—the Global Network—led by cost-cutter Gunnar Weedenfels, CNN’s future amid declining cable viewership remains in question as it seeks to adapt to the streaming age.

This report is pending comments from both CNN and Zucker.