The massive shake-up at CNN continues.
“Showbiz Today,” CNN’s entertainment and celebrity gossip show, has been eased off the network, say sources close to CNN.
And CNNfn, the network’s financial news spinoff channel that also provides business news to CNN, will also undergo a series of changes.
The half-hour “Showbiz” show, which formerly aired weekdays at 4:30 p.m., is now airing at the very un-primetime hour of 4 a.m.
But while the show itself has been fazed out, sources say CNN hasn’t given up on the entertainment beat.
The Cable News Network, which is now in the process of laying off approximately 1,000 employees and is revamping its entire programming schedule due to poor ratings and a mandate to cut costs from new parent AOL, will instead air entertainment news throughout the day.
Sources say “Showbiz Today” co-host Laurin Sydney will stay on at the network to report on entertainment news, but Jim Moret may not. It remains to be seen if the two hosts will stay on long term without the safety of anchoring their own show.
The production staff of “Showbiz,” however, has not been afforded the luxury of remaining at the network. Sources say the staff will be scaled down and that some “Showbiz” staffers have already begun spreading the “I’m available” word.
The “Showbiz” shakedown is not the only casualty at Turner Broadcasting.
“Streeetsweep,” the business show that aired on CNN at 4 p.m., right before “Showbiz,” has been demoted to CNNfn. “Streetsweep,” a review of the day’s market news hosted by Jan Hopkins and Terry Keenan, has been booted in favor of the general news show, “CNN Today,” hosted by Joie Chen. It airs at the 4 to 5 p.m. slot.
While both anchors will stay temporarily, sources say they are angered by the move to a financial network that is seen in far fewer homes than CNN.
“Entrepreneurs Only,” a show hosted by former New York City news anchor Tony Guida is also in trouble. Sources say Guida, who joined CNNfn after stints at both WNBC-TV and WCBS-TV, wants out of the network. If Guida leaves, it is likely the show, which airs weekdays at 9:30 p.m. on CNNfn, won’t last.
“Your Money,” a half-hour show about investment trends and money management for the individual investor, is also slated for an exit. It currently airs on CNN on Saturdays at 7 a.m. and Sundays at 2:30 a.m., as well as on CNNfn on Mondays at 10:30 p.m. Sources say the show is likely to be canceled.
“Movers,” a half-hour show that airs on CNN on Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., as well as on CNNfn on Thursdays at 10:30 p.m., is also likely to go.
The expected moves follow a series of other changes at the faltering CNN. “Newsstand,” an attempt to plug fellow Time Warner division Time Inc.’s magazines, was kicked off the air after receiving dismal ratings.
Also expected to be canceled or revamped is CNN’s “Style,” hosted by Elsa Klensch. Rumors of her departure have been circulating for months, though the network refuses to confirm any reports.
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Shooting stars?
In the process of laying off 1,000 staffers, the Cheap News Network is revamping its programming schedule. Hosts coming and going include:
Laurin Sydney and Jim Moret: The celeb gossip show “Showbiz Today” is now airing at 4 a.m. While co-host Sydney will stay on at the network – and co-host Jim Moret may, too – they won’t have the safety of anchoring their own show.
Tony Guida: Sources say the host of the nightly “Entrepreneurs Only” is leaving the network. If he does, the show leaves with him.
Joie Chen: Chen is hosting a general news show in place of “Streetsweep,” the business show that’s been demoted to CNNfn. No word on whether that’s permanent.