Kate Bolduan May Be Replaced on CNN’s ‘New Day,’ Insiders Say (Exclusive)

Ratings are up year-over-year in time period Bolduan has been on maternity leave

Kate Bolduan
CNN/New Day

Kate Bolduan’s days as co-anchor on CNN’s “New Day” may be numbered. Multiple insiders familiar with the situation told TheWrap that network President Jeff Zucker is close to making a decision on whether to replace Bolduan, who is currently on maternity leave.

Two CNN insiders told TheWrap that Bolduan, who has been on the hot seat for months ahead of her leave, will exit due to lack of chemistry with co-anchors Chris Cuomo and Michaela Pereira. Another individual with knowledge of Zucker’s thinking said the news president has not yet made a final decision, but is strongly considering that option.

The show is up 23 percent in total viewers year-over-year from mid-September to now; the time period Bolduan has been on maternity leave after having her first child, Cecilia. She has been co-anchor of the CNN morning show since the show’s  launch in June 2013. The show is also up 11 percent in the all-important 25-54 news demographic year-over-year during Bolduan’s maternity leave.

During her hiatus, former “Fox & Friends” co-host Alisyn Camerota– who joined CNN in July — has been one of the main substitute hosts for Bolduan. It’s not yet clear whether Camerota and Cuomo would  be the permanent team going forward if Bolduan is replaced, but insiders told TheWrap she’s the favorite.

The last time Bolduan was seen on-air was Oct. 20, when she stopped by the set showing off her new baby. Insiders told TheWrap that Zucker has gone back and forth on whether to make a personnel change on the network’s morning show, with Bolduan being the main co-anchor he’s considered replacing. Chemistry issues between Bolduan and co-anchor Chris Cuomo are the main catalyst for the potential change, TheWrap is told. We’re also told that it’s widely known among the morning show’s staffers that Bolduan is on the hot seat.

If Bolduan is replaced, it is likely it would not come until after she officially returns to “New Day” from her maternity leave.

CNN did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

“New Day” airs from 6am-9amET on CNN. The show’s senior executive producer is Jim Murphy.

CNN's "New Day" team
CNN/New Day

 

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