Farewell to a CNN Icon: Poppy Harlow's Legacy of Impactful Journalism

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Poppy Harlow, a familiar face on CNN, is bidding farewell to the network. The news of her departure was announced by CNN CEO Mark Thompson during the channel's 9 a.m. editorial call, followed by an email from Harlow to her colleagues.

In her message, Harlow expressed gratitude to the CNN management team for their support and the opportunity to travel extensively for her work. She highlighted the importance of journalism in portraying both the best and worst of humanity, emphasizing CNN's commitment to truth-seeking.

Harlow was most recently known for co-hosting CNN This Morning with Phil Mattingly. However, the show was effectively canceled earlier this year, prompting Mattingly to transition to a new role. Harlow was part of the original CNN This Morning team, alongside Don Lemon and Kaitlan Collins, in a revamp effort announced by former CEO Chris Licht in 2022.

Both Mark Thompson and Amy Entelis praised Harlow for her talents and contributions to CNN. Thompson described her as a unique talent with remarkable reporting and interviewing skills, while Entelis highlighted Harlow's impactful coverage of major stories and her insightful interviews with top business leaders.

Reflecting on her time at CNN, Harlow recalled her initial days as a 25-year-old with no prior live TV experience, expressing gratitude for the growth and learning opportunities she experienced over nearly two decades at the network. She credited CNN for shaping her as a journalist and as a person, allowing her to stumble, learn, and grow with the support of her CNN family.

As she embarks on a new chapter, Harlow expressed excitement for the future and her intention to support the evolution of journalism while preserving its human elements. She concluded her message with a message of hope and encouragement for her colleagues, urging them to let their passion flow and embrace the future.

With Poppy Harlow's departure, CNN bids farewell to a dedicated journalist who has left a lasting impact on the network and its audience.