We tend to follow the same rituals for the arrival of every New Year. We buy a new calendar, eat black-eyed peas, and watch how drunk the CNN staff will get. The network's big names are always at Time Square in New York City to cover the annual ball drop and the raucous festivities around the event. The news reporters and anchors celebrate along with the crowd and guests, and often get a bit tipsy, which leads to shenanigans and viral videos.
Since last New Year's Eve, CNN has a new owner and a new CEO, and nighttime anchor Don Lemon, whose holiday coverage has been particularly notable over the years, has been promoted to the morning news. New CEO Chris Licht told CNN employees that "he felt on-camera drinking eroded the credibility of CNN personnel and damaged the “respectability” they may enjoy among viewers." Therefore, reporters covering this year's New Year's Eve celebrations will be asked to stay sober.
With one exception. CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, along with his comedy partner Andy Cohen will be hosting the show live from Times Square, and they will be allowed to imbibe alcoholic beverages during the broadcast. Cohen went out of his way to assure audiences that he will be "going hard" as usual on New Year's Eve. That way, the rest of us can stay safely at home and enjoy the fireworks.
(Image credit: CNN)