Brian Stelter Demands CNN To Take Accountability As Network Shifts To 'Neutral' Reporting

CNN chief media correspondent Brian Stelter signed off from "Reliable Sources" for the last time Sunday and offered some critical parting words amid reports the 24-hour news network will shift from opinion-based content.

In his final monologue, Stelter emphasized the importance of the media's role to hold powerful people accountable. Stelter urged the network to deliver news that represents what's happening in the U.S. and around the world.

"The watchword here is accountability," he said. "CNN needs to be strong. I believe America needs CNN to be strong."

Stelter, a sharp critic of Fox News, also appeared to hit back at the network's plan to add a more "neutral voice" to its coverage.

"It is not partisan to stand up for decency and democracy and dialogue," Stelter said. "It is not partisan to stand up to demagogues – it's required, it's patriotic."

Stelter added that, "We must make sure we do not give a platform to those who are lying to our faces."

Despite his pleas for CNN to continue its current style of reporting, Stelter remained supportive of the network. "I'm going to be rooting for this place for the rest of my life," he said.

CNN announced last week that"Reliable Sources" would be canceled, which comes four months after the network's parent company Warner Brothers Discovery appointed new leadership.

"I'm grateful for my nine years with CNN, proud of what we accomplished on 'Reliable Sources' and so thankful for the viewers who tuned in every week for our examination of the media, truth, and the stories that shape our world," Stelter said in a statement at the time.

"It was a rare privilege to lead a weekly show focused on the press at a time when it has never been more consequential. I'll have more to say on Sunday."

While the decision to end "Reliable Sources" could be an effort to change the reporting style on the network, another speculation alleges the show was axed due to Stelter's salary of almost $1 million per year.

CNN executives are reportedly under pressure to cut the network's budget over large internal debts.