Kasie Hunt’s new morning show: A fresh take on CNN’s A.M. news

A new dawn for CNN mornings

Kasie Hunt, a familiar face in political journalism, is embarking on a new journey that aims to reshape how we perceive morning news on CNN. Known for her incisive political coverage, Hunt is now broadening her horizons to include culture, sports, and even weather updates. She’s ready to bring a touch of personality to the screen, even if it means making faces when the news gets quirky.

Breaking the mold of political news

Morning news shows on cable have traditionally thrived on relentless political coverage. However, Hunt and CNN are looking to change that narrative by offering a more diverse range of topics. “We want to be there for viewers even when politics isn’t the main story,” Hunt explains. This shift aims to cater to a broader audience, providing a more holistic view of the day’s events.

A fresh look and feel

If you tuned into Monday’s “CNN This Morning,” you might have noticed some new elements, especially starting at 6 a.m. The show now features blue-and-yellow graphics reminiscent of “Good Morning America” or “Today.” The 6 a.m. hour kicks off with a three-person panel discussing the latest news, from presidential campaigns to cultural phenomena.

The challenge of morning news

CNN has long struggled to compete with MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends.” Previous attempts, like the trio of Chris Cuomo, Kate Bolduan, and Michaela Pereira in 2013, failed to capture the audience’s attention. More recent efforts with Poppy Harlow, Kaitlan Collins, and Don Lemon also fell short. Hunt’s new strategy focuses on the 6 a.m. hour, targeting an engaged audience that’s up early and ready for critical information.

A well-rounded approach

Hunt emphasizes that her show is not just about politics. “We are not a politics-only morning show,” she says. The aim is to offer a platform that is well-rounded, straightforward, and unbiased. Expect coverage on a variety of topics, from international news to cultural stories, and even some light-hearted segments.

Personal touches and expert insights

Hunt plans to bring her personal interests into the show, covering topics like baseball and the Baltimore Orioles. She also aims to feature interesting videos that have captivated digital audiences. The show will tap into the expertise of Bleacher Report for sports coverage and hopes to include a regular weather segment.

Building an extended family of commentators

Hunt is cultivating an “extended family” of regular commentators. Viewers can expect to see familiar faces like Michael Smerconish, David Axelrod, Kate Beddingfield, Jonah Goldberg, and David Frum. This diverse group will provide a range of perspectives on various topics.

Learning from the competition

Hunt has a deep respect for her competitors, particularly “Morning Joe.” Before joining CNN, she was part of the “Joe” extended family, anchoring MSNBC’s “Way Too Early.” She acknowledges the influence of Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough but aims to create a unique show that stands out on its own merits.

Leveraging CNN’s global reach

One of CNN’s strengths is its ability to take viewers around the world quickly, thanks to its extensive newsgathering resources. Hunt plans to leverage this capability, offering global perspectives even during the early hours of the day.

A nod to the past

CNN seems to be revisiting an older playbook with Hunt’s new show. For over two decades, “Morning Express” on HLN, anchored by Robin Meade, successfully combined hard news with lighter content. Although the show was canceled in 2022, it left a lasting impact on viewers, particularly in the Midwest and South. Hunt aims to capture some of that magic with her new approach.

A personal connection with viewers

Hunt understands the unique relationship between morning news anchors and their audience. “You become part of their daily lives and routines,” she says. She appreciates the trust viewers place in her and aims to offer more than just headlines. Authenticity and personality are key, especially in an era where technology is taking over many traditional roles.

The pressure to stand out

As Hunt takes on this new challenge, she acknowledges the pressure to stand out. Viewers want to know that there’s a real person on the other end, and Hunt is ready to meet that expectation. Her goal is to make a meaningful connection with her audience, setting the tone for CNN’s day.

For more information and to catch a glimpse of the new show, visit CNN This Morning.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive look at Kasie Hunt’s new morning show on CNN, offering insights and personal reflections for cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts. By broadening the scope of morning news, Hunt hopes to create a more engaging and well-rounded experience for viewers.