MEDIA WINNER: Kasie Hunt The host of MSNBC's Way Too Early dropped a pre-6 a.m. bomb on the cable news world when she announced her sudden departure from the network where she has plied her trade since 2012. "Some personal news, as they say," Kasie Hunt tweeted — along with clip announcing her exit. "Thank you to all of the viewers, reporters, lawmakers and everyone else who’s gotten up extra early to help make @WayTooEarly better. I loved doing this show. More soon!" Soon turned out to be just several hours later, when Variety reported (and Mediaite subsequently confirmed) that Hunt signed a new deal with CNN — where, according to Variety, she'll be a major part of the network's push into streaming content. But lest you view Hunt's decision to jump ship as a lateral move, or even a demotion, take note of the massive raise she received for switching networks. Variety reported that CNN's offer, ranging from between $1 million and $1.5 million per year, represents a significant pay bump for the MSNBC host. Whether CNN's streaming gambit will ultimately work is anybody's guess. But Friday's move shows that the network is prepared to spend lots of money to get their new platform off the ground. In this business, any venture with money behind it is worth being involved in. |