JUST IN: Oliver Darcy Reveals CNN Exit in Surprise Newsletter Launch

Oliver Darcy — the now former Senior Media Reporter for CNN — announced his surprise exit from the network Thursday while launching a standalone newsletter.

In an email blast Thursday morning, Darcy rolled out his newsletter, called “Status,” — which he billed as the “definitive nightly briefing that informs readers about what is really happening in the corridors of media power.”

“In nearly a decade on the beat, seven years of which were for CNN, Darcy has built a reputation for consistently delivering consequential scoops and must-read insight that pulls back the curtain on the industry,” the email blast read — announcing his tenure with the network had indeed concluded.

Darcy, who authored the nightly Reliable Sources newsletter for CNN — a duty he took over from Brian Stelter — had grown increasingly critical of CNN in recent months. During the recent Republican National Convention, Darcy called out the network for airing “lie-filled speeches” with “little to no pushback.” He also gave a candid insider accounting of the events that led up the the departure of ex-CNN chief Chris Licht — and was particularly critical of Licht’s brief tenure atop the network.

Status is slated to be distributed five nights per week — with one to be distributed for free, and four editions to require a paid subscription.

Darcy confirmed his departure from the network to Mediaite.

“It has been the privilege of my life to report for CNN and serve as the steward of the Reliable Sources franchise — particularly during a time when truth is under assault and people are searching for accurate, reliable information,” Darcy said. “Covering the information space is more important than ever and I am excited to launch Status, embark on this new journey, and tap into my entrepreneurial spirit.”

In a statement, CNN chief Mark Thompson said, “Oliver has established himself as a tough but scrupulously fair leading voice in media reporting and commentary – never afraid to call it as he sees it. He has been a great shepherd of CNN’s Reliable Sources newsletter, and we wish him every success in his new entrepreneurial adventure.”

As for the future of CNN’s Reliable Sources newsletter, a network spokesperson confirmed Reliable Sources will go on a summer break but return in the fall with a new writer.

Colby Hall and Diana Falzone contributed reporting.