Former CNN anchor Dave Briggs has linked the network’s declining audience numbers to what he calls an intense focus on the Trump-Russia investigation during Donald Trump’s first term as president of the United States.
Briggs, who co-anchored “Early Start” from 2017 to 2019, made these remarks on June 23 during an appearance on the “Sanity with Alisyn & Dave” podcast.
In conversation with former CNN colleague Alisyn Camerota and guest Dylan Byers, Briggs noted that the network’s continuous coverage of special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into possible Russian assistance to Trump in the 2016 election alienated a substantial portion of Middle America. He suggested this strategy led CNN to lose “30, 40% of the country,” and cited ratings data as evidence of this trend.
Briggs disclosed frequent disagreements with network executives regarding their coverage strategy. He recounted daily discussions with decision-makers about the emphasis on the Russia investigation, noting that people he knew outside the East Coast showed little interest in the investigation’s outcome. According to Briggs, acquaintances nationwide expressed a desire to learn about other global events, prompting them to turn away from CNN.
These remarks come at a time when CNN is facing significant challenges, with the network experiencing historically low ratings and undergoing considerable structural changes. By late 2024, CNN’s primetime audience had fallen to below 420,000 viewers, its lowest in nearly three decades. As of May 2025, the network averaged just 405,000 viewers during primetime, with only 74,000 in the key 25-54 age demographic.
Mueller’s investigation, which started in 2017, examined Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election, potential links between Trump’s campaign and Russia, and possible obstruction of justice by Trump. The probe concluded that Russia intervened in a comprehensive manner to assist Trump, but investigators found insufficient evidence to charge the campaign with criminal conspiracy.
During the period referenced by Briggs, CNN was led by Jeff Zucker, who managed a significant ratings surge during Trump’s first term. The year 2017 marked CNN’s highest viewership ever, with strong numbers continuing through the 2020 election. However, ratings declined sharply in early 2021 following Trump’s departure from office, with primetime viewership dropping by 36% within weeks.
Zucker resigned as CNN president in early 2022 after failing to disclose a romantic relationship with CNN executive Allison Gollust, which violated company policy. The ratings decline worsened following Trump’s 2024 re-election, contributing to the network’s ongoing financial challenges.
CNN is currently undergoing significant restructuring as it deals with declining revenue and an impending change in ownership. In early 2025, the network laid off six percent of its workforce and is preparing for further cost-cutting measures, including salary reductions and stricter expense policies. CEO Mark Thompson is redirecting focus toward a $70 million investment in digital platforms, with the goal of generating $1 billion in revenue by 2030.
Staff concerns have increased ahead of CNN’s planned spinoff from Warner Bros. Discovery into a new entity called Global Networks, led by cost-reducer Gunnar Wiedenfels. With cable viewership declining across the industry, CNN’s future remains uncertain as it seeks to adapt for the streaming era.
A CNN source responded to Briggs’ comments, expressing disappointment at former employees discussing their previous employer and the media industry in a manner perceived as naive for profit motives. Representatives for Zucker declined to comment.
Briggs has since moved on to independent media projects. He partnered with Camerota for the “Sanity” podcast, supported by Mediaite as part of its creator-led YouTube network initiative. The collaboration was announced in April 2025, with the show dedicated to exploring issues with curiosity, irreverence, and an open mind.
Prior to joining CNN in 2017, Briggs worked at Fox News as a co-host of “Fox & Friends Weekend” and had experience in sports broadcasting with NBCSN. He left CNN in 2019 to pursue opportunities in sports podcasting, including a venture with the Radio.com Sports Digital Network.
Briggs’ critique reflects broader discussions in the media industry about coverage strategies and audience retention during politically charged times. His comments highlight internal tensions at CNN during a critical period for both the network and American politics, when editorial decisions significantly impacted business outcomes.
This assessment aligns with a broader trend of traditional media figures moving to independent platforms and podcast formats, seeking greater editorial control and direct engagement with audiences outside established network frameworks.
