Kaitlan Collins is easing toward a new role at CNN. After moderating a town hall featuring Donald Trump in New Hampshire, Collins is reportedly “expected to be given new anchoring duties at 9 p.m.” It is no secret that the 9 p.m. hour is one of the most competitive in cable news with personalities like Chris Cuomo, Rachel Maddow and Sean Hannity previously working during the time block.
CNN CEO Chris Licht has not commented on reports from Puck or Variety. However, Collins is expected to close the deal in the “days to come — barring unforeseen changes, or a pivot in the strategic thinking.”
Collins’s pivot to the nighttime block follows her recent work with Don Lemon and Poppy Harlow on the network’s morning show. However, the trio has disbanded and Lemon has been let go from the network. Since then, CNN has pushed Collins to the forefront and positioned her as the moderator for an eventful town hall featuring former President Donald Trump. Despite Trump’s unpredictable nature and comments, the network praised Collins’s work on the event.
“Tonight, Kaitlan Collins exemplified what it means to be a world-class journalist. She asked tough, fair and revealing questions. And she followed up and fact-checked President Trump in real time to arm voters with crucial information about his positions as he enters the 2024 election as the Republican frontrunner,” a spokesperson for the network stated.
“That is CNN’s role and responsibility: to get answers and hold the powerful to account.”
