CNN's HLN Net Pivots...Again

CNN’s sister news channel HLN is adjusting its programming lineup, cutting back on live news shows that will see the departure of Ashleigh Banfield, Carol Costello and Michaela Pereira.

“The current cable news landscape is dominated by politics. Our live news shows have not benefitted from this trend given our story mix,” said Ken Jautz, the CNN executive VP who heads up HLN, in a staff memo that was obtained by TheWrap. “However, HLN’s longform programs have been performing very well.”

Jautz’s memo:

I want to share some information about next steps at HLN. 

The current cable news landscape is dominated by politics. Our live news shows have not benefitted from this trend given our story mix.  However, HLN’s longform programs have been performing very well. 

Ken Jautz

In today’s news environment, every network has to focus on its strengths. To ensure HLN’s growth, we will shift some of our resources from live to longform programming and produce our live shows in as streamlined a manner as possible. The best way to do this is to centralize production of live news programming in Atlanta. 

Beginning October 29, our live program schedule will be as follows: 6a-noon ET, an expanded “Morning Express with Robin Meade;” noon-3p “On the Story;” series, documentaries and other taped programming will start at 3p. “Weekend Express with Lynn Smith” hours remain 7a-noon. 

As a result, we will no longer have live programs based in NY or LA.  It’s with deep regret that we will have to end production of “Across America with Carol Costello,” “Michaela” and “Crime & Justice with Ashleigh Banfield.”  I know that you will join me in thanking these incredibly talented journalists and their teams for their dedication and hard work. 

We built a top-notch line-up of some of the best anchors and show teams in the industry, and we are proud of what we’ve accomplished together these past few years. 

Ken

This is the latest recalibration for HLN, once known for thirty-minute newscasts that touched upon everything from breaking news to pop culture, according to Variety.

HLN once fared well  by offering a diet of court coverage in the daytime and showbiz tidbits, Nancy Grace and Dr. Drew in the evenings.

In 2013 and 2014, the network went through a significant programming shift, trying to align itself with the needs of younger viewers by sifting through social media and the latest trending topics. HLN tested everything from airing movies to ordering up a game series based on a concept from Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show. That move proved ill-fated.