A wave of anxiety is sweeping through the halls of CNN. The network is bracing for a new ownership under Paramount, a company led by a figure perceived as leaning towards the right. For many within CNN, this shift represents a potential threat to their established narrative.
The core fear? A curtailment of what they consider their journalistic duty – a relentless focus on critical coverage of Donald Trump and the Republican party. Whispers of impending change are fueling a palpable sense of unease among staff members.
Brian Stelter, a prominent figure at the network, recently addressed the situation on air with Wolf Blitzer. His attempt to downplay the concerns, however, struck many as remarkably out of touch.
Stelter responded to news of Paramount’s vision for “balanced and fact-based” journalism with a statement that elicited disbelief. He suggested this approach bore a striking resemblance to CNN’s own established mission.
He further attempted to frame the network’s clear ideological slant as “editorial independence,” a defense that felt hollow to many observers. This claim conveniently overlooked instances where CNN appeared to avoid critical reporting, such as concerns surrounding President Biden’s cognitive abilities.
Stelter expressed concern over whether Paramount’s CEO, David Ellison, would respect CNN’s “editorial independence,” acknowledging Trump’s past calls for the network to be sold. He then highlighted Ellison’s stated desire to “sustain the news business” and his belief that most Americans crave “news that is balanced and is fact-based.”
The irony was not lost on viewers. Stelter’s assertion that this vision “sure sounds a lot like CNN” was met with widespread skepticism. The network’s reputation for partisan reporting casts a long shadow over such claims.
For many, CNN’s current state is far removed from balanced and fact-based journalism. It’s viewed as a platform deeply entrenched in left-leaning perspectives and fueled by opposition to a specific political figure.
The prospect of a new owner initiating a comprehensive overhaul – a significant staff reduction – is now being openly discussed. Some believe a complete restructuring is precisely what CNN needs to regain credibility and relevance.
