CNN's Streaming Coup: Kasie Hunt's Bold Leap from NBC to Digital Dominance

CNN has acquired Kasie Hunt, the Capitol Hill correspondent once hailed as a rising star at NBC News, as part of an aggressive move to push the WarnerMedia cable-news giant into the world of streaming video.

During her early-morning appearance on MSNBC’s “Way Too Early,” Hunt surprised viewers by announcing that it would be her final broadcast on the show. “This is going to be my final broadcast with all of you,” she declared, promising to share details of “my new adventure in the next few weeks.” According to sources familiar with the matter, she is set to join CNN, where her primary focus will be on streaming content—a strategic initiative championed by CNN President Jeff Zucker.

CNN has been actively recruiting talent to boost its streaming efforts. An insider disclosed that Hunt was offered an annual salary between $1 million and $1.5 million—a figure that NBC News was unable to match. It is anticipated that her role will be pivotal as she appears online during moments of national significance, such as presidential elections.

Hunt’s career at NBC News, which began in 2013, saw her rise from an off-air producer to becoming a key anchor on MSNBC’s “KasieDC” and later hosting the early-morning “Way Too Early.” In addition to these roles, she has been a regular on “NBC Nightly News” and “Meet the Press,” and even filled in for anchor Chuck Todd on “MTP Daily.” More recently, she co-anchored NBC News’ coverage on major political nights for NBC News Now, the network’s streaming platform.

This strategic shift comes as major TV news divisions across the nation are intensifying their focus on streaming. With a new generation of viewers relying on Twitter feeds and smartphone alerts for news, networks are adapting their models. CBS News, for example, has integrated its CBSN streaming service with its local TV stations, while MSNBC is developing new content for NBCUniversal’s Peacock. ABC News has blurred the lines between streaming and linear programming, and Fox News continues to enhance its Fox Nation streaming platform.

While CNN had been relatively cautious with its streaming initiatives, executives have been testing pilot programs and considering innovative formats ranging from video to newsletters. With the hiring of Hunt, CNN appears to be making a big bet on streaming as a major pillar of its future news strategy.

At NBC News, many colleagues were reportedly stunned by the news of Hunt’s departure. Some learned of her impending exit only at the last minute, while others discovered it at the start of the day. Emotional tributes were shared during a conference call among staffers at NBC News’ Washington bureau.

As CNN positions itself for a new era in digital journalism, all eyes will be on Kasie Hunt and how her move may reshape the landscape of broadcast and streaming news.