Former CNN anchor Dave Briggs has attributed the network’s declining viewership to its heavy focus on the Trump-Russia investigation during Donald Trump’s first presidential term.
Briggs, who co-hosted “Early Start” from 2017 to 2019, discussed his perspective on the “Sanity with Alisyn & Dave” podcast on June 23, 2025.
During a conversation with his former CNN colleague, Alisyn Camerota, and guest Dylan Byers, Briggs mentioned that the network’s persistent coverage of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election had alienated many viewers in Middle America. He claimed that this focus possibly cost CNN “30, 40% of the country” and cited ratings data in support.
Briggs said he often disagreed with network executives about the strategy. He described daily arguments with decision-makers over the emphasis on the Russia investigation, noting that acquaintances outside the East Coast were not as interested in its outcome. He said friends across the nation expressed a desire to know about other global events, which led them away from CNN.
These remarks come as CNN faces significant challenges, with the network experiencing historically low ratings and undergoing structural alterations. By late 2024, CNN’s primetime audience had dropped below 420,000, the lowest in nearly three decades. As of May 2025, the network averaged 405,000 viewers during primetime, with only 74,000 in the key 25-54 demographic.
Mueller’s investigation, which began in 2017, examined Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election, potential connections between Trump’s campaign and Russia, and possible obstruction of justice by Trump. The investigation concluded that Russia interfered in the election in a sweeping and systematic way to aid Trump, but found insufficient evidence to charge the campaign with criminal conspiracy.
During the timeframe Briggs referenced, CNN was led by Jeff Zucker, who oversaw a ratings increase during Trump’s first term. The year 2017 was CNN’s most-watched year, with strong viewership continuing through the 2020 election. However, ratings fell sharply in early 2021 after Trump left office, with a 36% drop in primetime viewership within weeks.
Zucker resigned as president of CNN in early 2022 for not disclosing a romantic relationship with CNN executive Allison Gollust, a violation of company policy. The decline in ratings escalated following Trump’s 2024 re-election, contributing to the network’s current financial issues.
CNN is currently undergoing a major restructuring phase due to declining revenue and an impending ownership change. In early 2025, the network reduced its workforce by six percent and is preparing for further cost-cutting measures, such as salary reductions and stricter expense policies. CEO Mark Thompson is focusing on a $70 million investment in digital platforms, aiming for $1 billion in revenue by 2030.
Staff concerns have increased as CNN plans to spin off from Warner Bros. Discovery into a new entity called Global Networks, led by cost-cutter Gunnar Wiedenfels. With cable viewership declining across the industry, CNN’s future remains uncertain as it seeks to adapt to the streaming era.
A CNN source responded to Briggs’ comments, expressing disappointment over former employees discussing their previous workplace and the media industry in what was described as a naive manner for profit. Zucker’s representatives declined to comment.
Briggs has since transitioned to independent media ventures. He teamed up with Camerota for the “Sanity” podcast, supported by Mediaite as part of its creator-led YouTube network initiative. Announced in April 2025, the show aims to explore solutions to issues with curiosity and an open mind.
Before joining CNN in 2017, Briggs was a co-host of “Fox & Friends Weekend” on Fox News and had experience in sports broadcasting with NBCSN. He left CNN in 2019 to pursue opportunities in sports podcasting, including a collaboration with the Radio.com Sports Digital Network.
Briggs’ critique aligns with broader conversations in the media industry regarding coverage strategies and audience retention during politically charged times. His comments highlight internal tensions at CNN during a critical period in the network’s history and American politics, when editorial choices about story focus had significant business implications.
The former anchor’s observations come amid a broader trend of traditional media figures moving to independent platforms and podcast formats, seeking greater editorial control and direct audience engagement outside established network frameworks.
