That’s the sound of hearts breaking everywhere.
Sources say Anderson Cooper has one foot out the door at CNN. “Ratings are down,” says one insider, “and Anderson is ready to walk.”
Anderson has called CNN home for 24 years. The shy 58-year-old silver fox who pulls in a reported annual salary of $18 million, per Page Six, had an “epic meltdown” upon learning he was bypassed as moderator for CNN’s primetime presidential debate in favor of colleagues Dana Bash and Jake Tapper.
According to the insider, Anderson is also in a snit over Scott Jennings, 47, becoming a ratings magnet for CNN NewsNight.
“Anderson can’t stand it. Scott’s allowed to rant and rave, while the rest of them are muzzled,” says the insider. “People tune in to see what outrageous thing Scott will say next, and the execs love it.”
Meanwhile, Anderson Cooper 360° has slipped in the key 25 to 54 demographic, and a source says the host “reacted badly” to recent cold-held exec meetings over dwindling viewership.
Anderson recently hired Hollywood power agent Bryan Lourd, which industry regulars see as a sign Anderson ready to jump ship. “It’s clear,” says the insider, “she’s looking to land somewhere else — possibly streaming, books or even politics.”
