Why did Aaron Brown leave CNN? Exit explored as influential newsman dies at 76

Aaron Brown, the respected CNN anchor best known for his coverage of the September 11 attacks and his significant influence on the network's evening news format, passed away on 29 December at the age of 76.

Aaron Brown officially joined CNN in 2001 and left in 2005. While there are several reasons for Brown to have left, the main one is touted to be that he was replaced by Anderson Cooper in the network's prime-time lineup.

CNN executives believed that Cooper's style and approach were better suited for the evening news. Brown's departure was somewhat controversial, as he had been with the network for several years and was the anchor during key moments like the September 11 attacks.

According to an old article by The New York Times, the then president of CNN, Jonathan Klien, shared that Aaron Brown's departure from CNN was the result of a mutual agreement. Klien also shared that the network's new programming lineup left no space for Brown's show. As part of the reshuffle, Anderson Cooper's program, '360,' moved into the 10 p.m. slot that had been occupied by Brown's 'Newsnight' for the past four years.

After Aaron Brown failed to end a golf outing during the Columbia space shuttle disaster in 2003, his reputation took a hit, according to CBS News. Although his 10 pm newscast had a loyal following, the format changed significantly under Jonathan Klein's leadership, with a shift towards focusing on a single main story, reflecting Klein's lack of enthusiasm for Brown's style.

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What Aaron Brown's colleagues from CNN have to say about him

As reported by CNN, Anderson Cooper, the journalist who replaced Aaron Brown in his primetime spot at CNN, shared some kind words about Brown. He called Aaron Brown:

“A great writer and broadcaster... Thoughtful, funny, and diligent, he had a truly unique talent and a beautiful way with words.”

David Fitzpatrick, a CNN producer who had worked with Brown, said:

“It was remarkable when we received a compliment from him. He was a signature anchor during his prime time. His legacy will mean concise writing, concise presentation, and a calm demeanor in the face of crisis. Impactful, insightful, and measured.”

Speaking of the mark Aaron Brown left on the journalistic scene, former CNN producer Jon Auerbach said:

“In the pre-talk era of broadcast journalism, Aaron was first and foremost a writer and a craftsman. That was one of his many skills that earned the respect of his colleagues across the media landscape.”

Aaron Brown's contributions to CNN and his emotional, measured coverage of major events like September 11 cemented his place as a respected anchor. Despite controversies surrounding his departure and the shift in CNN’s programming, Brown’s legacy endures through the praise of colleagues who seem to have admired his writing and unique talent.