Late-Night Live: CNN's New West Coast News Show with Elex Michaelson
CNN has appointed Elex Michaelson, a seasoned California political reporter and anchor, to lead a new late-night newscast based in Los Angeles. The nightly two-hour live broadcast will air from CNN's studios on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, starting in mid-October. The program will be broadcast from 9 to 11 p.m. on the West Coast and midnight to 2 a.m. in the east, with coverage extending to CNN International in Europe and Asia.
Michaelson's program, yet to be titled, will be the only live cable news show in the post-midnight time slot, filling a gap left by CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC, which currently air repeats during those hours. This move marks CNN's return to Los Angeles for a live show since the end of "Larry King Live" in 2010, with "Fox News @ Night" being the only other national cable news show produced in the city.
With California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris based in L.A., the program's timing aligns well with their rising national profiles. Michaelson, who has interviewed Newsom extensively, aims to feature West Coast thought leaders in various fields on his show. The program's launch precedes a crucial vote in California on redistricting, which could impact the balance of power in the U.S. House.
Michaelson's appointment brings a clear editorial focus to the late-night CNN program, leveraging his deep roots in Southern California journalism. His program will provide a platform for discussions on politics, entertainment, technology, sports, and more, with a diverse range of guests. While Michaelson's tradition of thanking guests with baked goods may need to be adjusted for the nightly format, his commitment to engaging conversations remains a key aspect of the upcoming show.