Executive producer of Kaitlan Collins CNN show abruptly leaves network: Taking a toll

The executive producer of CNN’s “The Source With Kaitlan Collins,” has announced her departure from the network — citing “brutal” working hours that had been “taking a toll” on her, according to a report.Kristin Donnelly, a veteran television producer who worked at NBC News prior to joining Warner Bros.Discovery-owned CNN in 2017, surprised colleagues with her abrupt resignation, according to Oliver Darcy’s Status newsletter.The change comes as Collins juggles her roles as both a prime time anchor as well as the chief White House correspondent — a dual title that earns her a reported $3 million annual salary.After President Donald Trump won the election, TV news observers speculated that CNN boss Mark Thompson, who is looking to cut costs, was eager to move Collins back to Washington, DC, to cover the administration and to get her out of the anchor chair, where she has struggled to amass a wider audience.Donnelly’s exit was communicated internally on Thursday.

In a note to some colleagues, she acknowledged that the show’s demanding schedule had taken a toll, describing the hours as “brutal,” according to Status.The Post has sought comment from Donnelly.Donnelly was brought to CNN for her expertise in managing high-profile news shows — making her a key figure in the development of “The Source,” which launched in 2023 as part of CNN’s effort to establish a more competitive prime time lineup.Before joining “The Source,” she held key production roles at CNN, including “Inside Politics with John King” and “The Lead with Jake Tapper.” She previously covered the White House for NBC News.Her departure comes at a time of major upheaval for CNN, as the network struggles with declining ratings and ongoing leadership changes.Over the past few years, CNN has faced mounting competition from both traditional rivals like Fox News and MSNBC and an increasingly fragmented digital media landscape.Viewership has fluctuated, particularly ...