CNN has recruited former San Diego TV news reporter Elex Michaelson to host a new late-night newscast based in Los Angeles.
Michaelson, an experienced California political reporter and anchor who departed from LA’s KTTV-TV Fox 11 in August, will lead a nightly two-hour live show from CNN’s studios on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank starting mid-October, as announced by CNN.
The program will air from 9 to 11 p.m. on the West Coast and from midnight to 2 a.m. on the East Coast. It will also be broadcast on CNN International across Europe and Asia, including 5 to 7 a.m. in London and noon to 2 p.m. in Hong Kong.
“I am thrilled to join CNN and learn from some of the most talented journalists globally,” Michaelson expressed. “I’m particularly appreciative that CNN is investing in my hometown, given the West Coast’s prominence in politics, entertainment, technology, and sports. This really is a dream job.”
The title of Michaelson’s CNN show remains unannounced, but it will be the only live cable news program in the post-midnight slot. CNN, Fox News Channel, and MSNBC typically air repeats during this hour due to significantly reduced viewership after 11 p.m. ET.
“Fox News @ Night,” anchored by Trace Gallagher and airing at 11 p.m. ET and 8 p.m. PT, is the only other national cable news show produced in L.A.
It is believed that Michaelson’s program will mark the first CNN show based in Los Angeles since “Larry King Live” concluded in 2010.
In a social media update, Michaelson noted that his show would “feature breaking news from CNN’s global correspondents and in-depth interviews and debates moderated by me. The tone will be fair, respectful, and inclusive of a variety of perspectives.”
A native of Agoura Hills, Michaelson has dedicated his journalism career to Southern California. He was named TV Journalist of the Year by the Los Angeles Press Club in 2023 and has received numerous accolades, including eight Emmy Awards and eight Golden Mikes.
Prior to his time at KTTV-TV, Michaelson reported at KABC-TV in Los Angeles and served as a weekend morning anchor and weeknight reporter at XETV-TV Channel 6 in San Diego.
“I do remember Elex,” Chuck Dunning, retired XETV-TV VP and general manager, shared with Times of San Diego.
Dunning, who was at Channel 6 for 39 years, said, “He was anchoring weekend AM News when I joined as GM in 2010. Our news director then had a connection at USC and stumbled upon Elex while recruiting. He may have been one of our first hires. He and his co-anchor brought a lot of energy and commitment to the show, and it wasn’t long before he moved to L.A.”
Since 2017, Michaelson has been with KTTV-TV, where he co-anchored the 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts.
At KTTV, in addition to anchoring, Michaelson created, hosted, and produced California’s first weekly statewide political talk show, “The Issue Is with Elex Michaelson.” The program primarily focused on California issues and aired on various Fox-owned TV stations across the state.
Notable interviews on the show included key political figures like President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Michaelson is particularly recognized for interviewing California Governor Gavin Newsom more than any other TV journalist in the state, with Newsom being seen as a leading candidate for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination.
Michaelson holds dual degrees in broadcast journalism and political science from the Annenberg School of Journalism at the University of Southern California, graduating with summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa honors.
c3 Communications retained by California Surf Museum
San Diego public relations firm c3 Communications has been appointed as the agency of record for the California Surf Museum located in Oceanside.
Joice Truban Curry, president and CEO of c3, expressed enthusiasm for promoting the museum’s Silver Skaters Awards, Silver Surfers Awards, and the exhibit “Surf Art: Exploring California’s Coastal Culture.”
“We are excited to enhance awareness of the California Surf Museum and its treasures,” Curry told Times of San Diego. “Surfing has shaped the California lifestyle we cherish today. You don’t have to be a surfer to appreciate the museum. Their extensive collection of surfing history is truly remarkable and the surf culture exudes an inviting, chill vibe, making it a rewarding project for us.”
The museum, regarded as the oldest surf museum in the U.S., is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026. Its permanent collection documents the history of surfboards and wave-riding, featuring one of the richest assemblies of surfing history worldwide.
Qualcomm logo on SDFC’s Right to Dream Academy team jersey
San Diego-based Qualcomm Technologies has announced a multi-year agreement with the San Diego Football Club, which includes Qualcomm’s logo on the front of the Right to Dream Academy team jersey. The term “kit” refers to the uniform worn by players during matches. SDFC is making its debut in Major League Soccer during its inaugural season.
SDFC’s Right to Dream Academy aims to identify, nurture, and educate aspiring soccer talents while providing a comprehensive pathway for student-athletes, according to a statement. Qualcomm Technologies will support Right to Dream Academy athletes with technology powered by Snapdragon processors in classrooms.
Additionally, SDFC and Qualcomm Technologies will implement an annual futsal court refurbishment initiative, revitalizing play spaces throughout San Diego County to ensure safe and quality playing conditions for everyone. Both entities will also collaborate on annual community-led events where Qualcomm employees, Academy players, and club staff can interact with local residents.
The agreement grants Qualcomm Technologies marketing, branding, and promotional rights, which include Qualcomm and Snapdragon brand integration across selected SDFC digital platforms as well as premium signage at Snapdragon Stadium, where SDFC hosts home matches.
“This collaboration highlights the innovation and ambition that represent San Diego,” expressed Tom Penn, CEO of SDFC. “Together with Qualcomm Technologies, we’re creating an advanced experience for fans at Snapdragon Stadium and in the community, while nurturing the next generation of soccer players through the Right to Dream Academy and building facilities for everyone to enjoy the game.”
“Partnering with SDFC is about more than enhancing our brand presence; it’s about positively impacting San Diego and the forthcoming generation of soccer stars,” stated Don McGuire, senior VP and chief marketing officer at Qualcomm, Inc. “This dynamic collaboration sets a new standard for sports marketing and community engagement, complementing Qualcomm Technologies’ existing naming rights for Snapdragon Stadium and expanding the company’s visibility throughout SDFC’s inaugural MLS season.”
SDFC is owned by Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Mansour, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, and a host of minority investors, including Padres third baseman Manny Machado. Other minority stakeholders include actress, writer, producer, and director Issa Rae; Nigerian artist Temilade Openiyi, known as Tems; retired U.S. Navy Seal Jocko Willink; and Spanish World Cup champion Juan Mata. SDFC will conclude its regular season matches on Oct. 18 in Portland before awaiting postseason assignments.
Rick Griffin is a San Diego-based public relations and marketing consultant. His MarketInk column appears weekly on Mondays in Times of San Diego.
