The Great CNN Coup: Anderson Cooper reportedly joins Erin Burnett and Jake Tapper to run network

Chris Licht's protege is absent from the recent leadership changes as the other three are reportedly not fond of her

UPDATED JUL 3, 2023

Anderson Cooper, Erin Burnett and Jake Tapper have taken it upon themselves to step up for the struggling network after Chris Licht was fired (Dimitrios Kambouris, Dia Dipasupil, Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The CNN network, which recently removed its relatively new leader Chris Licht, now has three prominent figures in charge: Anderson Cooper, Jake Tapper, and Erin Burnett. They have assumed the responsibility of leading the network during its challenging times.

"Anderson, Jake, and Erin have formed an alliance and are now running CNN," an insider told Radar Online. "With the search to find a new boss in the very early stages, they have all jumped in together to fill the power vacuum. The inmates have taken over the asylum!" Absent from the recent leadership changes is Kaitlan Collins, the rising star of the struggling network. "Kaitlan was Chris' protege. The others aren't big fans," revealed a source.

Anderson Cooper attends The 15th Annual CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute at American Museum of Natural History on December 12, 2021 in New York City. — Anderson Cooper is now running CNN with Jake Tapper and Erin Burnett (Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Controversy surrounds CNN's town hall

The overall morale within CNN has reached an unprecedented low point after Collins's town hall with Donald Trump. Many staff members viewed the event as a blatant attempt to boost ratings, which they found distasteful. However, Collins defended her participation in the town hall, stating that she thoroughly prepared herself before engaging in a discussion with the former president.

Kaitlan Collins attends the 16th annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute at the American Museum of Natural History on December 11, 2022 in New York City. — Kaitlan Collins was Chris Licht's protege (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Jake Tapper of CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper and CNN’s State of the Union with Jake Tapper attends the WarnerMedia Upfront 2019 arrivals on the red carpet at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on May 15, 2019 in New York City. 602140 — Jake Tapper is running CNN with Anderson Cooper and Erin Burnett (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

Chris Licht was fired because of poor ratings

Licht's departure from the news network came as a result of declining ratings and a highly critical article in The Atlantic, which was deemed the last straw leading to his exit. The extensive 15,000-word article shed light on Licht's perceived arrogance towards CNN and its coverage of Trump's presidency and the pandemic. It portrayed him as someone who considered himself untouchable within the network.

"This was an exciting but incredibly challenging assignment and I learned a lot over the past 13 months," Licht said about his exit. "I've been lucky enough to have had a successful, fulfilling career and I look forward to my next chapter. I wish the team at CNN the very best, always."

Chris Licht, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, CNN Worldwide attends the 16th annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute at the American Museum of Natural History on December 11, 2022 in New York City. — Chris Licht was fired from CNN (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Licht assumed the role of CEO last year following Jeff Zucker's removal from the position, which was prompted by the revelation of Zucker's undisclosed affair with former CNN executive Allison Gollust. Inside sources have speculated that CNN could potentially be available for acquisition. There are rumors suggesting that Zucker might seek the "ultimate revenge" by purchasing the network, a move that could possibly entice previously dismissed anchors like Don Lemon, 57, and Chris Cuomo, 52, to consider returning to CNN. These sources indicate that Lemon and Cuomo are also interested in having a stake in CNN's success.

Erin Burnett of CNN’s Erin Burnett Outfront attends the WarnerMedia Upfront 2019 arrivals on the red carpet at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on May 15, 2019 in New York City. 602140 — Erin Burnett is running CNN with Anderson Cooper and Jake Tapper (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)