____________________________________________________________________________________
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
____________________________________________________________________________________
CNN’s resident conservative commentator, Scott Jennings, is reportedly finalizing a lucrative new contract with the network, cementing his role as a key voice in the Trump era, according to a report this week.
Sources familiar with the negotiations say Jennings has been working behind the scenes for months, capitalizing on his prominent presence in CNN’s political panels. Under CEO Mark Thompson’s leadership, CNN appears to be prioritizing a strong right-leaning perspective as media outlets navigate the evolving political landscape following the 2024 election.
Insiders told Status, a media briefing newsletter founded by former CNN media reporter Oliver Darcy, that Jennings is set to receive a significant pay raise in the new deal, though some details are still being negotiated.
A CNN spokesperson declined to comment on Jennings’ contract negotiations. However, the decision to secure Jennings highlights the network’s strategy of retaining conservative voices to boost ratings and engage viewers across the political spectrum.
Jennings, a seasoned GOP strategist and former adviser to President George W. Bush, has been a staple on CNN, providing a Republican perspective on major issues. While his commentary has clashed with the network’s more liberal contributors, his presence has strengthened CNN’s effort to showcase diverse viewpoints in an increasingly polarized media environment.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Times owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong began changing his editorial board as the legacy media outlet and others continue to struggle. The Times’ owner decided to add a fresh conservative voice to his editorial board last fall, hiring Jennings to write an op-ed column for the paper.
“It’s true—I’ve accepted Dr. Soon-Shiong’s invitation to join the editorial board of the Los Angeles Times,” he said on X. “I’ve written columns for the paper over the last few years and was honored to do so under such a storied and important masthead. I love newspapers and believe in strong journalism and strong opinion pages that represent a wide array of views.”
“I plan to represent those Americans who believe they are often ignored or even ridiculed in legacy media and applaud Dr. Soon-Shiong’s move to bring balance to the editorial board,” Jennings continued.
“My other professional obligations won’t be impacted by this new opportunity,” he added.
In November, just weeks after Donald Trump’s re-election, Soon-Shiong said that he would seek to add the CNN contributor to his paper’s editorial board.
“That’s why I want Scott on our new editorial board!!! Growing the board with experts who have thoughtful balanced views and new candidates are accepting the challenge to join us! Way to go Scott and thanks for accepting @latimes @ScottJenningsKY Stay tuned we are making this happen,” he said.
Last month, the New York Post reported that Jennings, who was part of former Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell’s past reelection campaigns, was being urged to run for the Kentucky Republican’s seat after McConnell announced last year that his current term would be his last.
“Jennings is being privately and publicly encouraged to run for Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell’s open Senate seat in 2026, sources, including a Republican operative familiar with the race, told Fox News Digital,” the outlet noted.
“Some conservative personalities floated the possibility publicly on X. The pundit is known for his advocacy of the Trump administration on the airwaves, and he regularly goes viral for debating liberal pundits on the cable television network,” The Post added.
“Could I nominate [Scott Jennings] for the United States Senate from the Commonwealth of Kentucky? He’d be a hell of a McConnell replacement,” conservative pundit Erick Erickson tweeted.
“I would absolutely support my friend [Scott Jennings] for U.S. Senate. But he’d also make a fine governor for the great state of Kentucky as well,” Republican strategist Dustin Grage added.