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TheWrap

CNN Eyes ‘Radical Changes’ to Ratings-Challenged Show

Aug 15, 2014  •  Post A Comment

A CNN program is looking at the possibility of more than a little rejiggering after struggling in the ratings. TheWrap.com reports that the cable news channel is eyeing “radical changes” to “New Day” in an effort to pump up the morning show’s numbers.

The article reports: “The network’s signature morning show is plagued with bad chemistry, including reports of bickering between its hosts Chris Cuomo, Kate Bolduan and Michaela Pereira. The show is also stuck in the perennial No. 2 morning ratings spot among cable news networks.”

The report adds: “What was supposed to be Jeff Zucker‘s reiteration of his exceptionally successful 90s-era ‘Today,’ hosted by Katie Couric and Matt Lauer, has instead become a challenge for CNN and the network’s president.”

The show has averaged 97,000 viewers in the key news demo of viewers 25-54 in the current quarter, far below “Fox and Friends,” which is pulling in 233,000 viewers in the demo, the piece reports.

To turn around the show, the network is testing several anchor combinations with and without Cuomo, the report adds.

The article quotes an inside source saying: “They have tried Chris Cuomo with every available woman. And they keep trying ‘New Day’ combinations that use none of the three anchors.”

The show has been built around Cuomo, who was formerly on ABC’s “Good Morning America” and “20/20,” the report notes.

“Internally, the staff has become angered by the testing since it revolves around Cuomo and they believe Pereira is the only part of the morning trio that works,” the article adds.

The inside source is quoted saying: “The only success story on that show is Michaela Pereira, who came from a big morning job in L.A., but they keep shoving her to the 11 a.m. time slot. Chris is insecure about her, because she is a natural on mornings. It’s her career talent … so they push her aside so he looks bigger.”

The report adds: “Testing is being done in other areas of the channel as well. Alisyn Camerota, a former Fox News anchor who was hired in July, has also been tested with other co-anchors. Though CNN said at the time of her hire that Camerota will contribute across CNN until her permanent role is announced, media reporters have speculated that Camerota was hired to join ‘New Day.’ Instead, she has been co-anchoring nights at 10 p.m. with Jake Tapper and now Don Lemon.”

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6 Comments

  1. These “Radical Changes” can be defined in two words, Wait For it…
    Katie Couric. Thats right i bet Ms. Katie is coming to be her former boss/producer partners new CNN daytime star. Its funny how this article comes out just 2 weeks before the “Katie” show leaves the air. (i.e. Katie will officially be available to work in TV elsewhere) So i bet all 3 of these hosts are on the chopping block for re-assignment. I also bet, Michalea has found her new home with Berman.
    Good Luck to Chris, hope he clicks with Katie.

  2. Well, well, well…this anncouncement comes just as the “Katie” Syndication on-air contract comes to an end in 2 weeks. (more than one of the “Katie” stations may have already dumped the summer re-runs) So its time for Ms. Katie to come back to AM TV for her former “Today” Boss/Producer Partner. I’ve seen this coming ever since ABC Syndication cancelled “Katie” back in the winter (for a May goodbye) and Couric leaving ABC News more/less the same week the cancellation was announced.
    If Katie comes to CNN, maybe Jeff is building a multiple Co-anchor show like ABC & NBC with Katie & Chris as the new Matt & Katie and the other 2 still with the show as news readers or in the field etc etc.

  3. Although Mr. Cuomo is a first rate Journalist in my opinion, he does not seem to have the magic or personality to front a program like this. He is the problem and perhaps it relates to ego and misogyny. Katie Couric is a has been and like “Oprah” before her, has become a very polarizing figure. People either love Katie or do not like Katie. Leave her benched over at Yahoo. What about Don Lemmon? Thank-you CNN!

  4. If Katie and Chris get paired, you will have two of the biggest has-beens of morning TV. Both are difficult and no one in the prime demo cares to watch them. Allisyn & Michaela are great and should have more exposure.

    • I agree with Jason. Camerota has already proved that she can handle any time slot. But does she want the early mornings?
      Cuomo is maddeningly liberal and abrasive. He’s not a good morning personality at all.
      Send Cuomo out on reporting assignments and find a new guy…. problem solved.

  5. Chris Cuomo is like an old stuffed shirt
    N

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