CNN’s “Reliable Sources” reporter Oliver Darcy leaves the network in shocking fashion

CNN “Reliable Sources” writer Oliver Darcy surprisingly left the struggling cable network Thursday, saying he plans to launch a rival media newsletter.

Darcy, 33, who has often criticized his network, had written “Reliable Sources” since CNN fired former newspaper writer Brian Stelter in 2022.

Darcy said his subscription-based newsletter, Status, will be a separate effort.

“There are no supporters. Just me,” he told The Post. “Paid readers will empower my independent voice.”

His shock departure comes as the Warner Bros.-owned network. Discovery is in the throes of a massive restructuring under new CNN boss Mark Thompson, who recently announced 100 job cuts.

On Wednesday, WBD reported a net loss of $10 billion for the second quarter and missed Wall Street estimates for quarterly results. The stock fell more than 10% on Thursday.

Darcy, who joined CNN in 2017, became the media’s leading voice when he took over “Reliable Sources.” Notably, in June 2023, he spoke out against his network under then-CEO Chris Licht, who had caused an uproar among staff over the executive’s perceived poor judgment and lack of leadership.

He’s also had his fair share of scoops, most recently exposing MSNBC’s decision to pull “Morning Joe” off the air after an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

“Oliver has established himself as a tough but scrupulously fair leading voice in media reporting and commentary — never afraid to call it like he sees it,” said CNN chief Thompson.

A CNN representative said “Reliable Sources” will go on summer break but will return in the fall with a new writer.

The first issue of Status will appear on Monday and will have a launch sponsor, which Darcy declined to name.

A subscription will start at $15 a month or $150 a year with an elite membership, with benefits like private Zoom calls available for $595 a year, The New York Times reported Thursday.

Darcy told the paper that Status will cover topics ranging from Silicon Valley to presidential politics to the effects of artificial intelligence technology on news consumption.

“We’re trying to connect all these dots every night,” he said.

“My request to readers is that this is a 100% independent voice,” he said. “I don’t think there’s a product out there that does exactly what we do.”

The newsletter will also have an ad-selling partnership with The Ankler, a Hollywood coverage start-up founded by Janice Min, the ambitious media veteran who once ran The Hollywood Reporter and US Weekly in the days of her glory.

Status joins a host of newsletters from outlets like Politico, Axios, Puck and Bloomberg.