CNN's Chief White House Correspondent, Kaitlan Collins, 33, is at the center of internal discord following her purchase of a luxury vacation home in Nantucket, Massachusetts. This private investment comes at a time when the network is undergoing profound corporate changes, leading to unrest and concerns among her CNN colleagues.
Collins, who has risen to prominence within the network, made the real estate acquisition on the island, a hotspot for affluent Americans. The purchase has not sat well with many at CNN, who are currently facing the prospect of a major shakeup within the organization. Page Six reported an anonymous insider's comments on the situation, revealing that CNN employees are dismayed by Collins' expenditure during such a tumultuous time for the network.
The insider reportedly criticized Collins as "way overpaid" and described the Nantucket property as "very expensive," though the exact price paid for the property has not been disclosed. With average home prices on the island reaching around $4.5 million as of May 2025, according to Realtor.com, Collins' investment aligns her with other notable figures like fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger and media personality Dave Portnoy, who own multimillion-dollar homes there.
The acquisition's timing is particularly sensitive as Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN's parent company, announced a significant organizational split, creating two separate entities: Streaming & Studios and Global Networks. This restructuring, set to be completed by mid-2026, has cast a shadow of uncertainty over CNN's future operations and staffing levels.
The network has been grappling with declining viewership ratings, compounding the challenges posed by the impending corporate division. Industry insiders suggest that the restructuring may result in widespread cost-cutting measures, affecting both on-air talent and the broader operational structure.
Dylan Byers, a former CNN reporter now with Puck, opined that CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels, who will lead the Global Networks division, is expected to scrutinize CNN's cost structure. Byers highlighted the disparity in salaries, questioning the rationale behind high compensations given the network's performance issues.
As the prospect of restructuring looms, CNN personalities are facing the potential for substantial pay cuts. The network's salary figures are making headlines, with anchor Anderson Cooper reportedly earning $18 million annually, Jake Tapper at about $7 million, Wolf Blitzer at $15 million, and Collins herself at an estimated $3 million.
The internal strife comes as CNN recorded its second-worst month in network history for viewership among the key demographic of 25 to 54-year-olds. Analysts predict a continued downward trend in ratings, with revenue projected to decrease significantly.
The insider source further detailed that the new Global Networks CEO could potentially slash CNN's operational costs by 50 to 60 percent without impacting revenue or ratings. This could entail deep cuts to show teams and salary reductions, with the most significant burden falling on rank-and-file employees.
