Where Did Carl Azuz Go? The Mystery Behind His Departure From CNN 10

Publish date: 2024-04-19

Carl Azuz was a familiar and beloved face for millions of students and teachers who tuned in to CNN 10, a daily news program that explained current events in a fun and factual way. For over a decade, he was the sole anchor and writer of the show, known for his enthusiasm and puns. But in September 2023, he suddenly disappeared from the screen, leaving many fans wondering what happened to him. Where did Carl Azuz go? And why did he leave CNN 10?

A Personal Decision

According to BuzzFeed News1, Azuz last filmed a CNN 10 episode in May 2023, before the show’s summer break. When the show resumed in September, he was replaced by Coy Wire, a former NFL player and CNN sports correspondent. CNN announced Azuz’s departure in a statement published in the show’s newsletter on Sept. 18. A spokesperson for the network told BuzzFeed News that Azuz left due to a “personal decision”.

The statement read: “We’re incredibly grateful to Carl for the years he dedicated to CNN 10 and CNN as an organization. We know the students, teachers, faculty, and loyal viewers of CNN 10 join us in sending him a heartfelt thank you for providing the news – in a fun, entertaining, and factual way – to a generation. We wish him the very best in his next chapter and future adventures.”

Azuz declined to comment to BuzzFeed News on the circumstances surrounding his departure but said that the outpouring of support from young viewers has surprised him. He also posted a tweet on Sept. 19, thanking his fans for their kindness and explaining that he had been working on some personal projects.

A Classroom Staple

Azuz started at CNN two days after he graduated from college 23 years ago. After a few years of writing and production gigs, he took over as the anchor of CNN Student News (later renamed CNN 10) in 2008. He covered every topic from the war in Iraq to the world’s most expensive ice cream sundae. He also interacted with his audience through social media and shout-outs.

Many teachers used CNN 10 as a way to introduce current events and critical thinking to their students. CherylAnne Amendola, a history teacher from New Jersey, told BuzzFeed News that Azuz was a “classroom staple” for her students. “It’s like having a dad in your classroom. Or Mister Rogers,” she said. “They were really unhappy about his leaving … and we actually worried that something had happened to him.”

Dallas Bender, a 17-year-old from Pennsylvania, told BuzzFeed News that watching Azuz’s show in middle school was one of the best parts of his day. “Carl was always an inspiration to me,” he said. “I started looking up to Carl because he was funny and made every day a blast. Even in high school, I still watched CNN 10 just to see what he would talk about.”

A Social Media Sensation

Azuz’s departure sparked a wave of reactions on social media, especially on TikTok, where many users expressed their shock and sadness. Some even speculated that he had died or been kidnapped. Others posted tributes to him, such as a light-up hat that displayed his “Fridays are awesome” catchphrase, a plant with a cutout of his face taped to it, and punny messages. TikTokers also posted Azuz fancams like he was a pop star.

Azuz addressed the rumors of his death in an earlier tweet on April 1, 2022, urging people to check their sources. He also joked about being abducted by aliens in another tweet on Sept. 20. He assured his fans that he was alive and well and that he appreciated their love.

A Future Uncertain

It is unclear what Azuz plans to do next after leaving CNN 10. He has not revealed any details about his personal projects or career goals. He has also not indicated whether he will return to journalism or pursue another field. His fans hope that he will keep them updated on his whereabouts and activities through his social media accounts.

Wherever he goes, Carl Azuz will always be remembered as the charismatic and witty anchor who made learning about the world fun and engaging for millions of young people. He will also be missed by many teachers who relied on his show as a valuable educational resource. As one TikTok user put it: “Carl Azuz is not just an anchor. He is an icon.”

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