Abby Phillip Signs Multiyear Deal to Remain at CNN
Abby Phillip is staying put at CNN.
The award-winning journalist has signed a new multiyear contract with the network, extending her run at CNN as she continues to anchor the 10 p.m. primetime news program NewsNight. According to people familiar with the matter, the new agreement keeps Phillip at CNN for the foreseeable future as the network prepares for a pivotal period in television news.
Phillip joined CNN in 2017 and has steadily become one of the network’s most recognizable political journalists. On NewsNight, her nightly roundtable has developed a strong presence on social media, with commentators from across the political spectrum regularly debating—and sometimes clashing over—the biggest stories dominating the news cycle.
In addition to NewsNight, Phillip hosts Table for Five on Saturday mornings and the streaming series Confessions and Obsessions. Before taking over NewsNight, she served as CNN’s senior political correspondent and hosted Inside Politics Sunday. Her journalism career also includes previous stops at The Washington Post, ABC News and Politico.
Variety was first to report on Phillip’s new contract. CNN declined to comment on individual talent agreements.
Phillip’s renewal also comes as CNN’s primetime lineup remains anchored by a trio of high-profile personalities. Anderson Cooper recently signed a new contract with the network and continues to host Anderson Cooper 360° as well as the Sunday newsmagazine The Whole Story. Meanwhile, Kaitlan Collins, who anchors The Source at 9 p.m., is widely understood to have several years remaining on her current agreement.
The timing of Phillip’s deal is particularly notable as Warner Bros. Discovery moves toward its proposed combination with Paramount Skydance. CNN employees have reportedly been closely watching the potential change in ownership, with questions surrounding the network’s future programming strategy, leadership and talent lineup.
While the new contracts were likely negotiated as individual agreements as each anchor’s deal came up for renewal, having long-term commitments in place could give CNN’s leading personalities additional leverage if a new owner ultimately seeks to reshape the network’s primetime schedule.
For CNN, keeping Phillip under contract could prove especially valuable as the 2026 midterm elections approach. Election cycles traditionally bring increased attention and viewership to cable news networks, giving CNN an opportunity to attract audiences beyond its core viewers.
The financial outlook also underscores the importance of the network’s primetime programming. According to Kagan, an S&P Global Intelligence market-research unit, CNN’s advertising revenue is projected to rise approximately 4% in 2026, reaching $510.4 million compared with $489.8 million in 2025.
With Phillip now locked in for the years ahead, CNN appears committed to maintaining one of the strongest elements of its current primetime lineup—while the broader future of the network remains tied to one of the biggest potential ownership changes in television news.
Photo: Abby Phillip
