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March 29th, 2013
09:14 AM ET
VIDEO: Soledad O'Brien signs off for the last time on 'Starting Point'
"Starting Point" host Soledad O'Brien reflects on her tenure on the show and reveals her future plans.
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Normally I don't learn post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very compelled me to check out and do it! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thank you, quite great post.
She is hot and good in her job. shame on CNN
Good people does't last with CNN it is a pity.
Good peole doesn't last with CNN.
To me this is a very sad day. The down sizing of smart women on this network is sadly going by the waste side. Soledad should have the right to do what she finds fulfilling in her life and that is everyones right.
I will miss her spirit, spunk, smarts .
I got kinda busy in April, and turned on Starting Point one morning and no Soledad. I still don't understand what happened to her. I really liked the show. Sometimes I don't get what CNN is doing!!
I wish Soledad the best CNN has used her for ten years to cover to demographics at once a woman and minority it's sad the way no one retires from CNN
I was very disappointed and sadden by Soledad's announcement that mourning. I loved her panel and the way the interacted with each other and their guests. Soledad's style was both playful and daring, a reflection of her easygoing personality and her great understanding of journalism. Thogh hard-hitting at times, which probably made some of her guests a little nervous, the news show was very entertaining. I was surprised to hear the show was doing poorly which says a lot about how mainstream America likes it's news delivered to them. Seems to me that anything that challenges them or their political leaders has a very small place in news media.
Over my observation time with Soledad, I saw her as a competent talking head with another unrelated O'brien. Then, when she took on politicians and issues, her clear and wise intelligence was exhibited...Decades ago, Dan Rather impressed the world with his brave questioning of power people, and Soledad seemed to pick up that abandoned gauntlet. Look over the list of pointless pretty people we are left with, but who don't offend the power people....
Thank goodness she's gone.. No offence to her, but dang she had an annoying voice.
I've noticed the new face of CNN looks less like me. The firing of both Solidad and Roland are poor moves, I will no longer watch your news station!
Thought maybe Soledad was on vacation but have just becbome aware that some idiot at CNN fired her from her show! Soledad is one of the smartest and talented newsperson in the business. Won't be watching CNN anymore!
Whats going on with cnn? your're getting rid of your best . soledad pier's morgan are the best you have. I won't be watching your morning show any longer.i will be tuning into msnbc.
What happen with Soledad? Couldn't watch couple weeks and she gone.
Not sure what to think.....LOVE Soledad! I am not a fan of the other Morning News Shows. HEAVY SIGH~~~! CNN had better get their act together!! Soledad is an amazing lady!!!! 🙂 Please make sure she has a HUGE presence at CNN!!!!!!!!
I am not sure if I will continue to watch Starting Point w/out Soledad. I Wish CNN, the best!!!!
When Soledad left, I was hoping to hear that CNN was putting her on a primetime show. A show where she could interview Politicians and not allow them to avoid answering questions- tough questions. Instead I hear that she was forced out as CNN decided to make Starting Point another fluff show like Today or Goodmorning America. Each morning I would tune into CNN to watch for her next great interview. I even changed my work schedule so I did not have to leave until Starting Point did the "End Point".
I have not been able to stay tuned in for long with the new hosts. I don't get the news and interviews I need to inform me. I now watch CNBC because at least they still talk about the issues. I hope some network decides to give Soledad her own primetime show and CNN should know that I will tune to that network along with the other thousands of her fans.
Come back, your missed in the am.
The more I watch CNN, the more disturbing the it all becomes. The manner in which they treated Roland Martin and Soledad O'Brien has not fallen on deaf ears. I am now more appreciative of MSNBC and find myself in favor of the shows there. This is not how CNN developed. Stating the ratings were too low for the time slot the show held is a poor infantile excuse. Then to add this other show only states that high up fools of management care more about the possessive investment (in whiteness) yet masquerade to say they need more ratings. Soledad has been on the forefront of shows dealing with minorities in america. She debates when other journalist cower down and accept misleading comments and misleading thoughts as answers. She will have her answers. I can see how that may make enemies but please note that Soledad has exhibited true journalism. You add misguided interlopers such as Jeff Zucker (a history major) who lacks vision and watch precious talent gets discarded. Soledad you will be missed.
Hello MSNBC!!!
Soledad will be missed! Trustwothy, knowledgable, warm, incredibly effective in her role as anchor. Staring point is not the same without her and as a result will have one less viewer!!
Hmmmm,
CNN features extreme right talking heads Erick Erickson, Dana legit-i-timate r-ape) Akin, Tony Perkins, et al un contested; hires refugee FOX executive Margaret (CNN needs to move to the right) Hoover; then lets the journalist with the most backbone go. All the while loosing audience.
CNN, how is that FOX caching Joe SixPack audience chasing business model workin fo ya?
Soledad was Starting Point. Brooke Baldwin will sink that show, no personality, too dry, doesn't seem to have an honest approach to her reporting. CNN blew it.
With Soledad gone, there will no inciteful questions asked of people who are trying to dodge the obvious. If this is CNN's decision, I am angry. Her discussions and presentation of the news was a joy to watch along with the marvelous guests around the table. I could count on Soledad to not back down from the tough questions. This is a huge loss for us early morning folks who wanted to start the day solid. Best to you Soledad....and to CNN....another early morning show shot in the foot. Very sad.
This really stinks. So, what are her plans? Where will she be going? Her open panel and exchange of opinions was a welcome break from the readers. Guess she stepped on the wrong politicians toes. Asked a question just a bit too close to home.
Focus on strong journalism which is why she no longer has a place at CNN. Sadly the network in shilling for ratings has moved to newstainment. If 04/02 show is any indication with 7 minutes dedicated to a duet by late night night TV hosts and videos worthy of Tosh.0.
Indeed Soledad who will ask probing questions and is willing to get dirty has no place in a self promoting, found content news station.
Good luck Soledad....with that I'm done with CNN...will never watch it again...
And with that CNN.....I have no further reason to watch you!
I am sooo glad she has left, her style of journalism is just offensive, she "injects" herself into the subject, and then "interjects" here opinions to the point that I turned CNN off during her time slot. Maybe she will do better else where if its a forum directed at controversial topics that she might have knowledge of.
We will miss you on CNN...
I like CNN but I couldn't watch O'Brien. Too preachy and really lame coverage. Probably the lamest morning show on TV. Thank you thank you Jeff sucker your making CNN watchable again!
Seriously? Shuffling off one of the few journalists worth anything on cable again?
I don't know, guys, maybe if you supported your programming instead of hoping to hit some sort of ratings lottery, or maybe if you gave people exactly like Soledad broader discretion and accept that Time Warner earns enough to support real news as a loss leader, you wouldn't be getting trashed by narrow-minded extremists whose claim to fame is women in shorter skirts.
But no, by all means, let's dump out another "beefy guy with cute blonde sidekick taking turns reading the Reuters feed" morning show. That'll fix everything.
Soledad:
I don't know if you will ever see this, but I am going to miss you. Having had the great pleasure of being the subject of some of your stories, I can truly say that you will be missed by many more than me. Wishing you good health, happiness, and continued success. You are the best!!!!
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Soledad never got flustered in the face of a disingenuous bully. She's fantastic and rare. CNN, after viewing Soledad's "end point", I have to ask - what on earth are you thinking???
I am not sad to see Soledad leave. In many instances she rudely interrupted her guests and seemed more interested in hearing her voice and point of view than listening to her guest.
Good riddance – probably the worst commentator on CNN.
An excellent move by Zuck, bring on some honest unbiased reporting now.
Has it dawned on Soledad yet that she is covering the news, that she is not the news?
You have got to be kidding me Renee. Soledad was the most narrow minded liberal ever to exist. It is a great service to humanity that she is gone. Took way too long for CNN to wise up. Now I may beable to stomach a CNN early show. Now they have to do something about Pierce.
Will not be watching CNN from 7-9 any more. She was damn good ,better than Wolf
I find it hard to believe the new person in charge is dumping Soledad, she is like Anderson honest in her reporting without the fluff. I for one will miss her. I hope we don't have to go to Fox to see her reporting. Good Luck Soledad, been a joy to hear your reporting for the last decade
We'll miss you solidad, we are leaving cnn as well !
Sad that the show wasn't given more time. It seemed to be gradually growing a good audience. It was too intelligent for the people who want soft news in the morning. Soledad tried hard and left with a classy ending. CNN won't be the same.
I agree with you. Soledad is a class act.
She was one of the few that I felt really got to the bottom of a story. Soledad you will be missed.
All I can say is.... What a "flake".... thats not my words, but people say...
I know all of us in the freedom movement are happy this POS is not on the air any more. May your career die slow and painfully.
Adios' toots.
What a loss for everyone who seeks journalism with integrity, courage, and grit. Thank you Soledad for what you have given so far. I look forward to seeing you continue to shine the light of truth in another venue.
Hats off to you
Soledad you will be missed at least in my household, you've been a very important part of our mornings. Good luck in your future endeavors, you were 'THE REAL DEAL'
Sad to see her go... great job! Enjoy your retirement. And 1 last thing for being 60 ??? WOW – She still got it!
This really makes me sad. Still unclear why CNN would let such a strong journalist leave. I will miss you Soledad.
Soledad learned that facts matter in just the last year? Well that explains a lot. Good riddance to bad rubbish.
Very sad day for those of us who always tuned to Starting Point. Soledad will be missed by many. Soledad is a very turstworthy journalist. Such a shame she will no longer be reporting the news in the morning. Wishing her and her family the very best!
Good Buy Soledud! your secular humanism will never be missed! The White House will be sad, Maybe the NKorean Dude could use your help. Take your Knee pads with you. He might need your services!
Soledad, I will miss your pretty face. I enjoyed your morning show with Jack Cafferty and Andy Serwer from Forbes when you worked with Bill Hemmer (a great journalist). Great chemistry. However, you can't see the forest for the trees. Your subjective, anti-conservative views overwhelmed your reporting, and you'll never acknowledge it, nor will your apologists. I'm sure you'll find success purveying more liberal propaganda somewhere, and at least your choir will have you to look at while they're being spoon-fed BS.
Still awaiting moderation?? Ah, the heck with it, you'll never publish criticism. That's why the Shopping Channel has nore viewers than CNN.
It is a sad day to see Soledad leave CNN. She is always sunny and very kind. I believe that it was the format of the show that caused the demise. There would be too many people around the table and everyone would talk at once. Some of the participants were very good and others were not good.
I know that Soledad will succeed in making documentaries. Soledad is highly intelligent and she knows how to make people comfortable around her.
Soledad will have more time for her family and won't have to wake up in the middle of the night.
I am so proud of you.
Pat Dupuis, Canada
Totally disagree. She lost all credibilty during the election with her obvious bias for Obama- actually debating with guests instead of questioning, defending Obama- reading a list of Democrat talking points on air as "unbiased questions", etc. The fact that she felt the need to routinely remind us "I'm a journalist" and "as a reporter" speaks to this. Glad to see her go. In the immortal words of Soledan O'Brien: "what does that mean?"
Ms. Soledad O'Brien is the best journalists on CNN and she will be missed. This was the only show that I watched on CNN because CNN is getting just like racists Fox No News. Ms. Soledad is a real and true journalists that is not afraid to attack politicians who will lie to us and her work ethics are out standing. Sole is fearless and not afraid of asking the tough questions. I will continue to support her and I wish her the best GOD BLESS you in your new edeavors.
Where are you going? I will follow. What is wrong with CNN to let her go
Ms. O'Brien is a remarkable journalist and such great enlightened thoughtful company between 7 and 9 a.m. I have absolutely no Plan 'B'; she will be very missed.
My days have begun with Soledad O'Brien at CNN since she started. I shall miss her. Sometimes I did not agree, but I always listened.
If there's been a TV journalist/reporter since Walter Cronkite that I've respected as much it's been Soledad O'Brien. Her matter-of-fact and straight to the point reporting and interviewing style gave CNN high marks as a news organization. That she is (it seems) being let go is a remarkable act of ignorance on CNN's part. Frankly, I'm not at ease with her departure and really am considering alternatives to CNN as my news provider. (BBC America comes to mind?) To Soledad, I wish only the best in future endeavors. To CNN I wish them a speedy cure for their bout of stupidity!
CNN is heading for the toilet!
Her obsession with race turned me off. Sad that she doesn't try to practice MLK, Jr.'s dream.
I am among the many that will miss you, Soladad. I enjoyed listening to you each morning on my drive into work. Hope your new adventure is a huge success. You deserve it!!
Soledad O'Brien had the credibility and gravitas of a snippy cheerleader trying to play with the grown-ups. Good riddance.
Best of luck to you. I know you have something new coming up because you are so bright. I can't wait to follow you. Have a wonderful Easter. CNN will miss you too.
The only good journalist CNN had. Goodbye Soledad and goodbye CNN.
Soledad is a great jouranlist and she will be missed. It's sad that CNN is letting her go.
It is a sad day for the public to loose seeing Soledad each morning reporting real news instead of gossip.. Outstanding reporter.. outstanding
It is a sad day for anyone who is watched and listened to Soledad O'Brien over the past 10 years! As a journalist I admired her willingness to stand toe-to-toe with politicans that would not answer her questions, but continued to pontificate the same old diatribe of their perespcetive party.
Her coverage of Hurricane Katrina was mind blowing and I thought it was the most accurate and poignant fact based reporting of all the news media outlets who were there.
Her documentary "Balck In america" provided this white guy a different perspective on the issues many black people face daily and her presentation was really non-bias in my humble opinion.
For the distractors of her I say stick it were the sun don't shine. For all of us who will miss her morning smile, her cohorts at the desk, and the issues and events of the day she brought us we will miss her.
Good Luck Soledad! and Thank you.
Mike
So sorry to lose (again!) the most engaging person on morning TV! Where you go I will follow, Soledad! Let us know!
I wish you much success in your future projects.
It is a shame that Soledad won't be hosting the morning broadcast. It is certainly CNN's and all the viewers loss.
Sory to see Soledad depart. I now question if real journalism will live on a CNN. Too few people know what journalism is, because too few figures on television 'new' shows practice the craft. Sorry to see her leave. I guess it is testament that media companies can't handle hard hitting journalists or strong, confident women.
Total, total loss for CNN. Total abdication of what actually IS journalism. CNN, you have lost your way. And lost me too. Soledad, I will be watching, and "I will follow you..."
It seems to be hard to be a woman these days in the media. Ann Curry was fired from the Today show for what they said were poor ratings which non-surprisingly have continued in her absence and now one of CNN's most intelligent and accomplished journalists has been shown the door in favor of Chris Cuomo who was put of GMA and another female co- hots and a female news reader. So Zucker is recreating Today show on CNN? One of the reasons I watched because Soledad was all business and not a lot of fluff. SP was not like the Today Show or GMA and that to me was a positive. I guess we can expect to see fluff celeb pieces, cooking segments, fashion segments and other non newsworthy stuff? Given the Conan debacle, I am not expecting a lot from him.. I will be switching to CBS or Morning Joe and hoping that Soledad can find another anchor news job with a network that truly appreciates her.
Soledad was one of the few good interviewers left on television. She actually asked follow-up questions, which did not allow the interviewee's talking points to dominate the discussion. CNN has fallen off the cliff into "infotainment". There is no quality hard news program in the morning anywhere on TV. How sad. CNN is a shadow of its former self. I don't give a rip about Jody Arias, and this particular obsession is a perfect illustration of what CNN is doing WRONG. Real news will get you viewers – because no one else is giving us real news in the morning (or anytime else for that matter).
I enjoyed this show and loved how Soledad asked the questions that many reporters wouldn't touch. When she didn't kowtow to certain people, I knew her days were numbered. Good luck Soledad!
Soledad is one of the very few journalists I trust in big media, it's a sad day for CNN and people who like their news a little less white washed.
So true, she will be missed :-'(
So long Sole. I used to watch CNN exclusively until your ludicrous comments comparing the tsunami to Katrina. Have a nice life. Mine is better now that I don't watch CNN. Thanks!
Good little sheeple...
I will miss Soledad in the mornings. Sure wish she could have stayed in some way with CNN. I like the way she handled her show.
i agree with you renee....a hundred per cent.....it is a sad day for cnn....i am not impressed with the changes that are happening on cnn...so sad
Go girl! There's nothing like telling it like it is. CNN just messed up!
She was not fair in the interviews and that why she lost her job, a good journalist has to be fair, not to the right or not to the left, right in the middle, just like a judge, I am glad she is gone.
Reblogged this on The Jacobs Journal and commented:
What does Soledad O'Brien's departure from CNN say about the network's commitment to diversity on its network shows?
I remember when you covered tech news on some obscure cable channel YEARS ago! Always thought you were the greatest! Best wishes, you're awesome!
Thank you Soledad! One of the best journalists around today. Not afraid to tell the truth on important & sometimes unpopular subject. CNN will have a problem filling your shoes, I think they made a very bad decision letting you go. Good luck!! We'll be watching for your fantastic journalism.
She was and is amazing. She was the only reason I watched CNN in the morning. I hate to see her leave. Proof that all good things must come to an end.
Good luck and best wishes. I missed you on NBC Weekend and now I will miss you on CNN. As you can tell, I always find a way to keep up with you. Goodbye CNN; continued journey with Soledad.
And with that closing so will my family close on CNN. I will not watch a new broadcast that all they want is party line communication. Where ever Soedad goes if she is on air then that is the station I will be watching..
Her tweet "facts matter". That is correct and why you are unemployed
I came here just to see this. Good riddens
Soledad you will truly be missed! I wish you great success in you future endeavors. You are one of the best journalists I have ever followed. Happy Easter! God bless.
Outstanding reporting Soledad! She will be missed by many viewers for the variety of guests, for the sense of humanity, fact checking and the REAL , supportive, forceful questions in the search for the truth. Love the sense of humor! Limited understanding for many viewers on how CNN let this program tenure end. Soledad your work represents the best of reporting for many many many viewers. We will all wait for your return. Suzanne
Such a talented journalist, we will miss you Soledad!!