Elex Michaelson joins CNN as anchor for a late-night program based in Los Angeles

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As a passionate cinephile eagerly diving into the world of journalism, I’m thrilled to announce that I, Elex Michaelson, have joined forces with CNN to spearhead an exciting late-night news venture right here in the heart of Los Angeles. With years of experience as a seasoned California political reporter and anchor under my belt, I can’t wait to bring you the latest updates and insights straight from Tinsel Town!

On Thursday, it was announced that Michaelson, who departed from Fox’s L.A. station KTTV last month, will begin hosting a live, two-hour nightly broadcast from CNN’s studios on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, starting in mid-October.

The show is scheduled to broadcast between 9 PM and 11 PM on the West Coast, and from midnight to 2 AM on the East Coast. Additionally, it will be available on CNN International for viewers in Europe and Asia.

Four and a half years ago, Michaelson shared his concept for a live prime-time program aimed at West Coast viewers with executives at CNN. However, they decided not to proceed with the idea at that time.

“Sometimes good things happen to those who wait,” Michaelson said.

This occasion could work out favorably because Governor Gavin Newsom of California has recently risen in prominence on the national political stage, through his bold confrontations with President Trump and humorous criticism on social media.

It’s widely expected that Newsom could emerge as a strong contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. Similarly, there is speculation that Los Angeles-based Kamala Harris, the former Vice President, may again seek the presidency.

Michael believes he’s interviewed Newsom more than any other television journalist within the state, given his responsibilities as the anchor for KTTV’s evening and late-night news broadcasts, as well as hosting “The Issue Is,” a weekly program primarily focused on California issues that was aired on various Fox-owned TV stations across the state.

Hollywood Inc.

On Wednesday, it was announced that Fox News will be debuting a new Sunday program featuring its top White House correspondents, Peter Doocy and Jacqui Heinrich.

As a passionate movie critic, I’m thrilled to share that my upcoming late-night program on CNN will be breaking new ground. In the wee hours post-midnight, when other cable news networks typically air repeats due to dwindling viewership after 11 p.m. Eastern, our show will be the lone beacon of fresh content. I can’t wait to keep you informed and entertained, even when others have turned off their sets!

Michaelson’s program marks a return of a CNN show to Los Angeles since “Larry King Live” ceased broadcasting in 2010. Only “Fox News @ Night,” which features Trace Gallagher as anchor and airs at both 11 PM Eastern and 8 PM Pacific, is another national cable news program made in the city.

In the earlier part of the year, CNN assigned the late-night duty to their prominent anchor, Jim Acosta, stationed in Washington D.C., who was known for his confrontational style with President Trump while serving as a White House reporter.

During midday, Acosta was occupying his position, and shifting this time slot to midnight was generally perceived as a downgrade and a concession to Trump during his second term. This change was suggested following indications from Warner Bros. Discovery executives that CNN needed to broaden its appeal towards Republican audience members.

Instead of accepting the position, Acosta decided to depart from the network in January and now writes for his personal Substack newsletter.

Appointing Michaelson to the late-night CNN show provides a more defined editorial purpose for the program. Born in Agoura Hills, Michaelson has built his entire journalism career in sunny Southern California, earning him local renown.

According to Michaelson, being in Los Angeles gives him the opportunity to arrange meetings with influential figures in fields such as politics, entertainment, technology, sports, and many others on the West Coast.

The Michaelson’s program is set to be initiated approximately three weeks prior to California residents casting their votes on a proposition aiming to redefine the geographical borders of the state’s federal constituency districts.

The critical confrontation scheduled for November 4th regarding redistricting could decide which party will dominate the US House of Representatives next year and establish a significant balance against the Trump administration. Although this dispute is primarily in California, its effects are likely to be noticed not only across the United States but also globally.

Michaelson is renowned for expressing gratitude to his show guests by presenting them with homemade pastries baked in his mother’s kitchen, after they appear on “The Issue Is.

He admitted that upholding the tradition could prove challenging, given the daily two-hour show format with numerous guests. “We might have to adjust it,” he suggested.

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2025-09-11 16:31