In a rare glimpse into the internal dynamics of CNN, viewers witnessed a moment of tension between prominent anchors Anderson Cooper and Jake Tapper during a live broadcast.
The incident unfolded when Tapper, stationed in Alaska for CNN's coverage of President Donald Trump's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, was caught on a hot mic. Unaware that Cooper had already transitioned the broadcast to him,
Tapper exclaimed, "Im fine. Just give me my show back!" Cooper, with a smirk, responded on air, "The shows back."
As reported by The Washington Free Beacon, this exchange was not merely a slip but rather an indication of a longstanding rivalry between the two anchors. Entertainment reporter Robert Shuter, who has a background as a celebrity publicist and editor, highlighted this in his Naughty But Nice Substack.
"Viewers thought it was a slip. Insiders know it was years of rivalry bubbling to the surface," Shuter noted. He further elaborated, "CNN may sell unity on screen, but #ShuterScoop can confirm: Cooper and Tapper are locked in a grudge match for the soul and the spotlight of CNN."
Sources within the network have corroborated this narrative, with one senior insider stating, "Theyve hated each other for years." Another source added, "Both think theyre the smartest man in the room. Neither will play second fiddle." A veteran staffer also commented, "The smiles are only for the cameras. Off-air? Its ice cold."
Despite these claims, a CNN spokeswoman attributed the incident to "technical issues" and dismissed the notion of a feud between Tapper and Cooper. "There is zero truth to this story," she asserted, explaining that the network faced repeated technical difficulties with Tapper's audio during the special coverage.
Shuter, however, reported that Cooper seemed to "relish" the technical challenges that affected Tapper, particularly during his interview with Sen. Adam Schiff (D., Calif.) following the hot mic incident. The competition between the anchors extends beyond on-air exchanges, as they vie for high-profile interviews and coveted primetime slots.
Tapper, known for his fiery responses to critics on social media, recently took steps to soften his public image. With the release of his book, "Original Sin: President Bidens Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again," he enlisted a crisis public relations expert to help him adopt a more congenial approach towards detractors.
Financial factors may also play a role in the rivalry. Cooper, 58, reportedly earns $18 million annually, while Tapper, 56, is believed to earn about half that amount. Both anchors were represented by United Talent Agency (UTA) for years, but Cooper's recent decision to switch to Creative Artists Agency suggests he is preparing for a prolonged battle to secure his substantial salary.
Cooper's background as a member of the illustrious Vanderbilt family, which once held the title of the wealthiest family in the United States, adds another layer to this complex narrative. The family still owns the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina, the largest privately owned home in America.
This unfolding drama at CNN underscores the intricate interplay of personal ambition, financial interests, and professional rivalry that often simmers beneath the surface in the world of broadcast journalism.
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