In his final show on the network, broadcast live on Sunday after Stelter learned he and his “Reliable Sources” team were losing their jobs at CNN the previous Thursday, Stelter urged his sparse viewers to “hold CNN accountable” in the network’s new era. He also appeared to choke back tears.
Stelter and his team learned their fate at CNN on Thursday following months of rumors suggesting the new Discovery-led management at CNN would can the hyper-partisan host this year. Seemingly even to the surprise of Stelter, the network allowed him to say goodbye to his viewership during one last broadcast.
“Here’s what I do know: I know it’s not partisan to stand up for decency and democracy and dialogue,” said Stelter, appearing to respond to the rumors that his show was canceled because of its rabidly anti-Trump and anti-Republican positions. “It’s not partisan to stand up to demagogues, it’s required. It’s patriotic.”
Related: ‘May He Rest In Peace’: Trump Mocks Brian Stelter After CNN Fires Squeaky Voiced Host
Then, Stelter demanded that his audience “hold CNN accountable” amid rumors that the network seeks to distance itself from the hyper-left wing era that saw CNN steadily lose viewers under the guidance of ex-leader Jeff Zucker.
“That’s why CNN needs to be strong,” said Stelter. “You viewers at home, it’s on you. CNN must remain strong.” The now-unemployed TV personality added, “It’s going to be on you to hold CNN accountable.”
That was a lot of fun. Thank you to every single viewer. pic.twitter.com/tD5KVHGvMR
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) August 21, 2022
Some, including Fox News’ Tucker Carlson, previously framed Stelter as a stooge of former CNN executive Jeff Zucker, who was among the first to leave the network amid the Discovery merger that ultimately led to new management.
Carlson repeatedly described as Zucker’s personal “court eunuch” while denouncing the left wing media show.
“Over on CNN, Jeff Zucker dispatched his eunuch to address the channel’s viewership,” said Carlson in one 2019 episode, before describing Stelter’s voice as a “squeak.”
Tucker Carlson on CNN's Brian Stelter: “Jeff Zucker dispatched his eunuch to address the channel’s viewership, meaning those Americans trapped at the airport waiting for flights.
“‘You may think CNN has been lying to you relentlessly for the last 2 years,’ the eunuch explained.” pic.twitter.com/IZFwUnPkDz
— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) March 26, 2019
By May of this year, only months before Stelter would be fired from the network, Carlson had stopped referring to Stelter by his name altogether, instead preferring to simply refer to him as “the eunuch.”
Eunuch @brianstelter seems to have been lifted straight from George Orwell's 1984. pic.twitter.com/mcEzuRYQgI
— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) May 24, 2022
Despite the emasculating rumors that Stelter was a “eunuch” for Zucker, Stelter thanked the deposed executive for signing him to the network almost a decade ago in his final address.
“Thank you to Jeff Zucker for believing in me,” said Stelter. “For having the back of this organization for so many years, for having my back through everything, even through the death threats.”
While the end of Stelter’s final episode of “Reliable Sources” featured goodbyes and thank-yous, Stelter still managed to include fake news in his final broadcast.
He misleadingly claimed that his program was “one of CNN’s highest rated weekend shows” and “a one of a kind and popular” program for the network, while failing to note that his ratings have been in free fall for years.
Delusional Brian Stelter on his final sign off called his now canceled show “a one of a kind and popular show” and “one of CNN’s highest rated weekend shows”
He ended his failed show with some more lies, he obviously still doesn’t get it
— Drew Hernandez (@DrewHLive) August 21, 2022
As the Post Millennial noted, Stelter’s program regularly sees lower ratings than reruns of “The Golden Girls,” “Spongebob,” “Peppa Pig,” and “Paw Patrol.”
Despite firing him, CNN published Stelter’s final remarks on YouTube.
