Elex Michaelson trades FOX 11 for CNN, comes onboard as LA-based anchor

Elex Michaelson, the veteran political reporter and anchor from California, has been hired by CNN to host a new late-night live newscast from Los Angeles. The newscast will begin airing in mid-October from CNN's studios at the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank from 9 to 11 p.m. PT (midnight to 2 a.m. ET). Additionally, CNN International will broadcast it worldwide.

On the West Coast, the show will run from 9 to 11 p.m., while on the East Coast, it will run from midnight to 2 a.m. Additionally, CNN International will broadcast it across Asia and Europe.

The resident of Agoura Hills claimed that four and a half years ago, he presented a similar live news notion focusing on the West Coast to CNN officials, but the proposal was initially rejected. Michaelson told the Los Angeles Times:

“Sometimes good things happen to those who wait.”

This time around, the timing could be favourable, as California Governor Gavin Newsom has gained national prominence due to his public criticism of President Trump and his social media jibes at him. Newsom is considered a strong contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. Former Vice President Kamala Harris of Los Angeles will also be watched since she may run for president again.

According to Michaelson, he has conducted more interviews with Newsom than any other television reporter in the state.

Elex Michaelson also stated that CNN's Los Angeles headquarters would enable him to showcase "West Coast thought leaders in politics, entertainment, technology, and sports,” expanding the network's reach during a time window that is usually occupied by reruns on major networks. After midnight ET, his show will be the only live cable news broadcast in the United States.

Elex Michaelson's career and accomplishments

Elex Michaelson began his career in Southern California, where he worked for years as an evening and late-night broadcast anchor at KTTV. He also hosted The Issue Is, a weekly political affairs show that included in-depth interviews with people like Gavin Newsom, Nancy Pelosi, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and Kamala Harris.

He has won eight Emmy Awards and has worked at XETV in San Diego and KABC-TV in Los Angeles. He was selected as the 2023 TV Journalist of the Year by the Los Angeles Press Club.

Elex Michaelson would welcome guests on the show by offering them freshly baked goods from his mother's kitchen. He recently admitted that it would not be feasible, as multiple guests would be appearing for a two-hour show. He said:

“We may need to revise that.”

Filling a gap at CNN

When Jim Acosta left CNN earlier this year, and Michaelson was hired in his place. The after-midnight role was offered to Acosta, but he chose to leave the network as he saw the role as a demotion. His departure gave CNN the opportunity to reconsider its approach to programming.

Speaking about how excited he was to join CNN, Elex Michaelson said:

"I am so excited to join CNN and learn firsthand from some of the most talented journalists on the planet. I’m especially grateful that CNN is expanding its investment in my hometown as the West Coast houses so many global leaders in politics, entertainment, technology, sports and more. This is truly a dream job.”

Elex Michaelson's program will air just before Californians cast their votes on a plan to restructure the state's congressional district boundaries. He said:

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“The showdown on Nov. 4 over the issue of redistricting could determine who controls the U.S. House next year and whether there is actually a check and balance on the Trump administration. Although it’s a fight in California, the impact will be felt not just around the country but around the world.”

Stay tuned to Soap Central for more information.

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