Poppy Harlow to leave CNN after nearly 20 years

After almost two decades at CNN, anchor Poppy Harlow announced her departure from the network in an email to colleagues. She expressed gratitude for the support and growth she experienced during her time at CNN, referring to the network as a family that shaped her both personally and professionally. Harlow received praise from CNN’s chief executive Mark Thompson, who highlighted her exceptional reporting skills and human touch that resonated with audiences. Executive vice president of talent and content, Amy Entelis, also commended Harlow for her compassion and humanity in journalism.

Throughout her time at CNN, Harlow worked in various roles and reported on major news events such as the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings and the 2015 Paris terror attacks. With a background in business journalism, she hosted the “Boss Files” podcast and conducted interviews with prominent executives like Warren Buffet, Mark Zuckerberg, and Bill and Melinda Gates. In 2022, Harlow was appointed as co-host of CNN’s flagship morning show alongside Kaitlan Collins and Don Lemon. However, the show faced challenges in attracting viewers and dealing with internal conflicts, leading to Lemon’s departure and Collins’ move to a solo prime time show.

Following a reconfiguration of CNN’s morning lineup by Thompson, Harlow was left without an anchor slot. Despite engaging in discussions with the network, she made the decision to leave and focus on spending more time with her family. In her farewell email, Harlow expressed excitement for the future and pledged her continued support for the evolution of journalism while preserving humanity within the industry. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunities and growth she experienced at CNN and indicated her ongoing commitment to the network’s success, even after her departure.

Harlow’s departure marks the end of a successful tenure at CNN, where she honed her skills as a journalist and grew as a leader. Her departure was met with appreciation and recognition from her colleagues and network executives for her impactful reporting and compassionate approach to journalism. As she embarks on a new chapter in her career and personal life, Harlow’s legacy at CNN remains one of resilience, integrity, and dedication to delivering news stories with empathy and grace. Her departure comes at a time of transition for CNN’s morning lineup, indicating a shift in strategy and personnel to adapt to changing viewer preferences and industry dynamics.