| Topic Name: |
Another Shakeup at CNN |
| Message Name: |
Quite Simply.. |
| Date Posted: |
06/09/2005 |
| In Reply To: |
I think it's worth repeating that the reason CNN is going downhill in a car without brakes is because there's no focus. I can tell you what CNN is not (it's not interesting, provactive, consistent, stable, reliable), but I can't tell you what it is. That's a stark contrast from the old CNN which very simply was the best source of 24 hours news, period.
In my mind, the last nail in the coffin was election night. It was bad enough on the night of Democratic convention when CNN picked up someone cussing his fool head off about the baloons, but election night was truly appaling television. Wolf Blitzer was in over his head, that hideous video wall got in the way of the broadcast, Paula Zahn was all of the sudden moderating mini-crossfires, and Larry King was sitting at a main anchor desk?!
Anyone remember the way Bernard Shaw and Judy Woodruff covered elections? Between Aaron Brown's poetic, self-serving approach, to Blitzer's flat-line delivery, to Zahn thoroughly uninspiring show and King's geriatric talk fest (who can forget his exclusive with Kim Novak last year??) there's just nothing provocative and little that credible on CNN.
The network MUST become something and it can't do that without an image, a tone, and programming that are all logically connected and consistent. No, firing Bill Hemmer and getting old newsmag pros will not win CNN its audience. Reconceiving its mission -- going back to the future, if you will -- is the only hope. |
| Message: |
..the best analysis I've read thus far.
It's focus, tone and programs (and approaches) that don't get re-invented semi-annually.
Listening criquifan, or are you in the den, TiVo'ing Soledad's frown?
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