While on stage for a National Press Club panel discussion in October of that year, Koppel said Trump had been "very, very good" for the journalism industry.
"The ratings are up, it means you can’t do without Donald Trump. You would be lost without Donald Trump," Koppel said, as CNN's Brian Stelter protested it wasn't true.
"CNN’s ratings would be in the toilet without Donald Trump," Koppel said as the audience laughed.
FLASHBACK: Ted Koppel predicted CNN ratings 'would be in the toilet without Donald Trump'