Reports: CNN Pundit Scott Jennings Getting Significant Pay Raise

Scott Jennings, a prominent conservative political commentator and CNN contributor, is reportedly set to receive a significant pay raise and contract renewal with the network, even as CNN grapples with staff cuts and a ratings crisis. This development has sparked discussion given the contrast between Jennings’ individual success and the broader challenges facing CNN.

Jennings, who joined CNN as an on-air contributor in 2017, has become a standout figure on the network, often dubbed its “token Republican” for his conservative perspective amidst a predominantly liberal lineup. Sources indicate that his new contract could push his annual compensation well beyond his current estimated $500,000 salary from CNN, supplemented by additional earnings of around $200,000 from contributions to outlets like USA Today and the Los Angeles Times. 

A number of media reports  corroborate reports from outlets like The Athletic that Jennings is not only securing a contract extension but also a pay increase, though exact figures remain undisclosed as CNN has not officially commented.

This raise comes at a time when CNN is facing significant headwinds. 

The network has struggled with declining viewership since the 2024 election, averaging just 99,000 primetime viewers in the 25–54 demographic post-November 5, 2024—a 36% drop from pre-election numbers—compared to Fox News’ dominant 417,000 in the same demo. Amid this ratings slump, CNN has initiated cost-cutting measures, including layoffs announced in late 2024 and early 2025. 

Reports from The Daily Beast and Daily Mail suggest hundreds of staffers, including high-profile talent, are at risk, with cuts targeting expensive shows and salaries. Anchors like Jake Tapper and Wolf Blitzer were reportedly denied raises, and veteran Chris Wallace departed in December 2024 after earning $8.5 million annually. These moves follow a 100-person layoff in summer 2024 and reflect CEO Mark Thompson’s push for a “digital-first” overhaul amid a perceived identity crisis and financial strain.

🚨Scott Jennings' takedown of Democrats following the weak rebuttal is GLORIOUS:

"This was a HORRIFIC night for the opposition party...Democrats came into this speech lost and defeated by Donald Trump...it looks to me like they're even MORE lost and even more defeated than when… pic.twitter.com/5owt6P2dgx

— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) March 5, 2025

Jennings’ pay raise stands out against this backdrop, highlighting his unique value to CNN. His popularity, evidenced by viral clips—like a November 19, 2024, NewsNight segment garnering over 1.1 million X views compared to the show’s 413,000 average TV audience—far outpaces the network’s typical reach. Analysts suggest his appeal lies in his ability to resonate with a broader, younger audience and provide ideological balance, with CNN’s conservative viewership reportedly up 77% since November 2024, comprising 43% of its audience. This contrasts with the network’s aging traditional viewership, often criticized as out of touch.