CNN needs help. The one-time cable-news king trails Fox News, and February ratings show CNN trailing MSNBC, too.
Proof that ex-NBC chief Jeff Zucker has his work cut out for him. Zucker took the reins at CNN just over a month ago, firing talent and, according to the New York Post, calling on reporters and editors “to broaden their definition of news and include a greater selection of topics.”
Good advice, but no wonder ratings are dropping if the results of change are:
- All day coverage February 14 of the Carnival Triumph’s tug to port – that’s eight hours of “poop in plastic bags.”
- Yet another Piers Morgan interruption party with gun rights advocate John Lott Jr. February 27.
- HOURS of coverage and panel discussions on the Jodi Arias trial – umm, who is that again? And panel discussions?
- While others covered political news, CNN covered Beyonce’s Super Bowl press conference where she proved she could sing and lip-sync.
Zucker, halting the ratings slide at CNN will take tightening the definition of news, not broadening it to… this?
Get the CNN brand back to what’s missing from primetime cable news: news for grownups.
How refreshing would calm, measured, professional, unbiased broadcast journalism be for the primetime demo?
Christian Munson is an award-winning communications professional in the business of inspiring organizations' key audiences. He also administers the "BuzzLine," a weekly six-word challenge to marketing communicators worldwide. Find it on the Buzz Bin, CRT/tanaka's blog, (most) Friday afternoons.
Not surprising. We watched “Starting Point” each morining for over a year but have recently given up on CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien’s chirpy commentary and opinions on a variety of topics CNN offers up as news. We definitely prefer journalism for grownups.
Wow that was odd. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked
submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m
not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say excellent blog!