Poppy Harlow, a longtime CNN anchor, announced her departure from the network after nearly two decades. In an email to colleagues, Harlow expressed gratitude for the support and learning experiences she has received during her time at CNN. She credited the network for shaping her as a journalist and leader, teaching her resilience, and providing invaluable lessons in making tough decisions. CNN’s chief executive, Mark Thompson, commended Harlow for her exceptional reporting and interviewing skills, as well as her ability to connect with audiences on a personal level.
Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent and content at CNN, also praised Harlow for her contributions during her more than 16 years at the network. As a brilliant journalist, Harlow set a high standard for reporting with compassion and humanity, leaving a lasting impact on her colleagues and the audience. Harlow joined CNN in 2008 and covered major news events such as the Boston Marathon bombings and the Paris terror attacks. With a background in business journalism, Harlow hosted the “Boss Files” podcast and interviewed notable executives such as Warren Buffet, Mark Zuckerberg, and Bill and Melinda Gates.
In 2022, Chris Licht, then-CNN chief, tapped Harlow to co-host the network’s flagship morning show alongside Kaitlan Collins and Don Lemon. Despite their efforts, the show struggled to attract viewers and faced internal turmoil that garnered media attention. Ultimately, Lemon was let go from the network, and Collins was moved to host her own prime time show. When Thompson took over from Licht, he decided to reconfigure CNN’s morning lineup, moving “CNN This Morning” to a different time slot in Washington, D.C., where it is now hosted by Kasie Hunt. As a result, Harlow was left without an anchor position, leading to her decision to leave the network.
After discussions with CNN, Harlow made the choice to exit the network and focus on spending more time with her family in the immediate future. She expressed excitement for what lies ahead and vowed to continue supporting the evolution of journalism while prioritizing humanity in reporting. Harlow’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in her career, characterized by impactful reporting and engaging interviews with prominent figures in business and beyond. As she bids farewell to CNN, Harlow leaves behind a legacy of excellence and professionalism that will be missed by her colleagues and the audience alike.
