Poppy Harlow becomes latest CNN casualty as she leaves network after almost two ... trends now
Veteran journalist Poppy Harlow is leaving CNN after the cancellation of the network's morning show amidst a series of upheavals.
Harlow, 41, announced her departure on Friday via email after nearly two decades with the cable news network.
'Mark, Amy and the CNN management team have been wonderful and have given me the space to make this decision. I am very grateful to them,' Harlow wrote in the email.
'CNN gave me the opportunity to travel across this country and around the world - often at the worst of times, but when humanity also shows the best of itself,' she continued.
Harlow served as the co-host of CNN This Morning, a show that was effectively cancelled in February after less than two years on air.
Scroll down to read Harlow's farewell email
Veteran journalist Poppy Harlow is leaving CNN after the cancellation of the network's morning show amidst a series of upheavals
She was paired with Don Lemon and Kaitlan Collins when CNN launched its glitzy new morning show under the ousted CEO Chris Licht in 2022
Harlow joined the network in 2008, working in a variety of roles before she was paired with Don Lemon and Kaitlan Collins when CNN launched its glitzy new morning show under the ousted CEO Chris Licht in 2022.
She most recently hosted alongside Phil Mattingly after the dramatic firing of Lemon and the exit of former White House correspondent Collins.
'There's been plenty written about what's wrong with journalism, and the challenges our industry faces. And it does. But there is also so much right with it,' Harlow wrote in the email.
'At the heart of everything we do is the pursuit of truth — it is the core of CNN. I remain CNN's biggest fan and I'll be watching and cheering you on every day.'
CNN CEO Mark Thompson informed staff about her exit during the channel's 9am editorial call shortly before the email was sent to colleagues.
Thompson called the longtime anchor a 'unique talent who combines formidable reporting and interviewing prowess with a human touch that audiences have always responded to.'
'She's been a wonderful colleague at CNN, and we know she will have much success in her future endeavors,' Thompson said.
CNN This Morning was effectively cancelled in February after less than two years on air
Harlow joined the network in 2008, working in a variety of roles before she was paired with Don Lemon and Kaitlan Collins when CNN launched its glitzy new morning show under the ousted CEO Chris Licht in 2022
Lemon was fired after he made a string of sexist slurs on air and insulted an alleged rape victim during an interview
CNN This Morning premiered on November 1, 2022 - but within months, it was quickly overshadowed by a slew of scandals.
Don began facing a series of criticisms over his eyebrow-raising comments and slurs; in addition, reports emerged that claimed he had made Collins run from the set in tears after he berated her in front of the crew and other stars.
There seemed to be hope for the show after he was fired in early 2023, but the drama didn't end there, and CNN This Morning continued on a downward spiral that saw multiple other staffers say their goodbyes.
Collins also left the show in Spring 2023 to take over the network's prized 9pm timeslot left vacant by Chris Cuomo's high-profile sacking, leaving
