Key Takeaways:

• Jim Acosta announced his departure from CNN after nearly 20 years, rejecting a move to a late-night slot.
• Donald Trump responded to Acosta's exit by calling him a "major loser" on Truth Social.
• Acosta launched a new independent show on Substack shortly after his exit.
• During his farewell broadcast, Acosta emphasized the importance of truth and resisting tyranny.
• CNN staff expressed concerns about the network's shift in programming under the new Trump administration.

Former CNN anchor Jim Acosta, known for his often contentious relationship with Donald Trump, officially departed the network on Tuesday following a series of programming changes that reportedly aimed to align with the new Trump administration. In his final broadcast, Acosta rejected an offer for a midnight time slot, calling it untenable and opting instead for a new direction in his career.

Acosta's departure prompted Trump to disparage him on Truth Social, labeling him "one of the worst and most dishonest reporters in journalistic history" and deeming his relegation to "the Midnight hour" as indicative of Acosta's lack of talent and appeal. Trump further stated, "Jim is a major loser who will fail no matter where he ends up," in a post that stirred Acosta to respond with his own quip. He remarked, "Looks like somebody has ADS: Acosta Derangement Syndrome," parodying the term often used by Trump supporters to describe their opponents' criticism of the former president according to The Hill.

During his farewell, Acosta urged viewers not to "give in to the lies," instead urging them to hold on to truth and hope. He expressed pride in his career, particularly highlighting his coverage of former President Barack Obama's visit to Cuba in 2016, which he deemed a significant professional milestone. Acosta asserted, "It is never a good time to bow down to a tyrant," drawing a likely connection to his experiences with the Trump administration.

In a bid to continue his journalism, Acosta quickly transitioned to launching "The Jim Acosta Show" on Substack, where he plans to engage in discussions about political and social issues as reported by The Daily Beast. His exit from CNN highlights ongoing shifts in the media landscape as networks reassess their approach to news coverage amidst changing political climates.

Reflecting on the tumultuous environment at CNN, some staff members expressed discontent regarding the network's apparent shift to attract a more right-leaning audience. Insiders noted that morale has dipped with concerns about the programming direction, which coincided with Acosta's reassignment and subsequent departure as highlighted by India Times.

Acosta's parting has raised questions about the future of journalism at CNN and the broader implications of media independence in a rapidly evolving political landscape.

For further details, visit the original articles from USA Today, HuffPost, and SFGate.