CNN is on the verge of finalizing a lucrative new contract for conservative commentator Scott Jennings, a move that demonstrates the left-leaning network’s recognition of his growing influence and appeal among supporters of President Donald Trump, according to a report.
Jennings, a veteran political strategist and respected voice in Republican circles whose analysis serves as a counterweight to the network’s often left-leaning discussions, is set to receive a substantial pay increase, according to the Status newsletter.
Specific terms of Jennings’ reported compensation increase couldn’t immediately be learned.
The new contract for Jennings, who has been mentioned as a possible candidate to succeed retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), is testament to his growing popularity among Trump supporters on social media who routinely post clips of his contentious interactions with co-panelists.
According to Status, talks between Jennings and CNN have been ongoing for months.
Jennings was reportedly keen on getting CNN to allow him to do his own show either online or on television, but management did not agree to the request, according to Status.
Nonetheless, he was able to get a hefty raise from CNN thanks to significant interest from other suitors — giving him leverage in talks with the Warner Bros. Discovery-owned outlet.
The Post has sought comment from CNN and Jennings.
In a media environment that often sidelines conservative viewpoints, Jennings has carved out a unique role as an advocate for policies championed by Trump and the broader Republican movement.
Unlike many GOP establishment figures who have distanced themselves from Trump, Jennings understands the former president’s appeal and effectively communicates the sentiments of his base.
His ability to dissect complex political issues while countering liberal narratives makes him an invaluable asset for CNN as it strives to maintain credibility with viewers across the political spectrum.
The move by CNN to retain Jennings comes at a tumultuous time for television news outlets which have had to downsize amid dwindling audiences.
Earlier this year, CNN announced approximately 200 layoffs, equating to about 6% of its workforce, as part of a strategic shift toward digital operations.
Similarly, NBC News implemented a smaller-scale reduction, eliminating over 40 positions, primarily in production roles, to adapt to the evolving media landscape.
Earlier this week, ABC News underwent significant restructuring, merging “Good Morning America” and “GMA3” into a single production unit and shutting down the data-focused site FiveThirtyEight, resulting in the layoff of all 15 staff members.
In total, around 200 employees across ABC News and Disney Entertainment Networks were laid off.
Meanwhile, CNN continues to struggle to attract viewers.
In January, Fox News, which shares common ownership with The Post, led cable news ratings, averaging 2.78 million primetime viewers — a 40% increase from the previous year.
Comcast-owned MSNBC attracted 734,000 viewers, down 33%, while CNN had 522,000 viewers, a 14% decrease.
In the key 25-54 demographic, Fox News secured 353,000 viewers, surpassing CNN’s 118,000 and MSNBC’s 63,000.
CNN has recently made notable changes to its programming lineup as part of a broader effort to adapt to shifting viewer habits.
“The Situation Room” has expanded its coverage, with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown now co-anchoring the program. Their new roles replaced Jim Acosta’s previous morning slot following his departure from CNN.
Acosta, who was combative as White House correspondent during the first Trump term in office, had been with the network for nearly two decades.
He declined a proposed shift to a late-night time slot, ultimately leading to his exit.
