CNN’s Scott Jennings Lands Lucrative Contract Extension: Report
CNN’s in-house conservative commentator, Scott Jennings, is reportedly close to finalizing a substantial new contract with the network, solidifying his status as a major voice in the Trump era, according to a recent report.
Individuals familiar with the negotiations indicate that Jennings has been engaged in behind-the-scenes discussions for months, leveraging his strong presence on CNN’s political panels. Under CEO Mark Thompson’s leadership, CNN appears to be emphasizing a robust right-leaning perspective as media organizations navigate the shifting political landscape following the 2024 election.
According to insiders who spoke with Status, a media briefing newsletter created by former CNN media reporter Oliver Darcy, Jennings is expected to receive a considerable salary increase in the new contract, though certain details are still under discussion.
A CNN representative declined to provide a statement regarding Jennings’ contract talks. However, the move to retain Jennings underscores the network’s strategy of maintaining conservative voices to enhance ratings and appeal to a broad audience across the political spectrum.
As a seasoned Republican strategist and former adviser to President George W. Bush, Jennings has been a fixture at CNN, offering a GOP perspective on key issues. His commentary has sometimes conflicted with the network’s more liberal contributors, but his presence has bolstered CNN’s efforts to present a diverse range of viewpoints in an increasingly divided media landscape.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Times owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong has begun reshaping the editorial board as the legacy publication and other media outlets continue to face challenges. Last fall, he made the decision to bring in a fresh conservative voice, selecting Jennings to contribute an op-ed column for the paper.
“It’s true—I’ve accepted Dr. Soon-Shiong’s invitation to join the editorial board of the Los Angeles Times,” Jennings shared on X. “I’ve written columns for the paper over the last few years and was honored to do so under such a storied and important masthead. I love newspapers and believe in strong journalism and strong opinion pages that represent a wide array of views.”
“I plan to represent those Americans who believe they are often ignored or even ridiculed in legacy media and applaud Dr. Soon-Shiong’s move to bring balance to the editorial board,” Jennings continued.
“My other professional obligations won’t be impacted by this new opportunity,” he added.
In November, just weeks after Donald Trump’s re-election, Soon-Shiong revealed his intent to add the CNN contributor to his paper’s editorial board.
“That’s why I want Scott on our new editorial board!!! Growing the board with experts who have thoughtful balanced views and new candidates are accepting the challenge to join us! Way to go Scott and thanks for accepting @latimes @ScottJenningsKY Stay tuned we are making this happen,” he said.
Last month, the New York Post reported that Jennings, who previously played a role in former Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell’s reelection campaigns, was being encouraged to run for McConnell’s Kentucky Senate seat following the senator’s announcement last year that his current term would be his last.
“Jennings is being privately and publicly encouraged to run for Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell’s open Senate seat in 2026, sources, including a Republican operative familiar with the race, told Fox News Digital,” the outlet reported.
“Some conservative personalities floated the possibility publicly on X. The pundit is known for his advocacy of the Trump administration on the airwaves, and he regularly goes viral for debating liberal pundits on the cable television network,” The Post added.
“Could I nominate [Scott Jennings] for the United States Senate from the Commonwealth of Kentucky? He’d be a hell of a McConnell replacement,” conservative commentator Erick Erickson posted on X.
“I would absolutely support my friend [Scott Jennings] for U.S. Senate. But he’d also make a fine governor for the great state of Kentucky as well,” Republican strategist Dustin Grage added.