CNN’s Camarota Signs Off For Final Time: ‘This Is My Last Day’
Longtime CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota announced on Sunday that it was her final day on-air at the network.
“This is my last day on air at CNN,” Camerota shared in an emotional farewell. “I’ve had such incredible opportunities here these past ten-plus years. I’ve interviewed presidents and heroes and extraordinary people — the kind of peak career experiences that I had dreamed of since I was a teenager.”
During her heartfelt sign-off, Camerota expressed gratitude to her colleagues and reflected on her time at CNN, which began in 2014 after spending 16 years with Fox News.
She also shared her decision on Instagram, posting the news on Sunday morning before going live. “Before we go on this very busy news day, I just want to take a moment to share some personal news. This is my last day on air at CNN,” she told viewers.
“I’ve interviewed presidents and heroes and extraordinary people. The kind of peak career experiences that I had dreamed of since I was a teenager,” Camerota continued. “The journalists at CNN are the very best in the entire news business. It’s been an honor to have been their colleague. It’s also an honor to have been in your homes this past decade through some of the biggest stories of our lifetimes.”
Camerota also noted the meaningful connections she made with her audience. “I’m always touched when a viewer comes up and tells me that I helped them get through these challenging times. So I look forward to doing much more of that with you. Please follow me on Instagram @Alisyn Camerota for updates on where to find me in the very near future.”
She concluded with a message for her CNN colleagues: “To my dear friends at CNN, thank you for all of the laughs we’ve shared, all you’ve taught me about the power of journalism, and for making my time here so deeply rewarding. I wish you all a peaceful holiday season. I’ll see you all soon.”
Wolf Blitzer, Camerota’s co-host and veteran CNN journalist, paid tribute to her on-air. “I think I speak for all of our viewers here in the United States and around the world when I say we will miss you. You’re not only a good friend but a colleague and an outstanding journalist,” he said.
Blitzer added, “Whatever your next challenge and adventures may be, they will be exciting and wonderful. We just hope you’ll stay in touch with all of us. And we’ll follow you, of course, on Instagram as you pursue your next challenge. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us. It’s always been a pleasure for me personally and for all of our colleagues to work together with you.”
Camerota’s departure follows a challenging personal year. Just months ago, she lost her husband of 22 years to pancreatic cancer. In a moving social media post in September, she reflected on their life together: “The kids and I are still getting our bearings. Tim imbued us with a lot of strength and stability, and we’re determined to try to emulate those qualities of his… I feel incredibly lucky to have had such a deep, committed, loving partnership for the time we had.”
Her departure also coincides with ongoing struggles for CNN in viewer ratings. The network has faced significant declines, with Nielsen ratings showing a 43 percent drop in viewership on Thursday compared to the same day last year, as reported by Mediaite.
Ratings for MSNBC, another major news outlet, also suffered. The network saw a 23 percent decline in overall viewership last month compared to 2023, with primetime ratings down 54 percent. CNN’s primetime viewership fell by 30 percent over the same period, according to the report.
The ratings slump comes in the wake of President-elect Donald Trump’s decisive election victory, which has shifted audience dynamics for major cable news networks.