The N Stands for News
CNN, which once stood for “Cable News Network,” hosted a town hall event with former President Trump the other night.
This is not new; the network has long held these occasional, special events with candidates on both sides of the spectrum. They did one with President Biden since he took office, as well.
The broadcast was hard to watch in a number of respects. Trump was Trump. The moderator, Kaitlan Collins, covered Trump as a White House correspondent for the network and is now part of the disintegrating new morning program on the channel. I’m not going to get into details about the event, which again were all predictable.
What has been striking is the number of people howling that CNN gave Trump the platform. Even within the building apparently, there was an outcry that the channel would hold the event, outcry that only got worse as the program aired and extended to those on the left, who sharply criticized the channel.
CNN is desperately trying to reclaim audience share. They tried going the opinion route, even during what were ostensibly news programs and that didn’t work. New management is trying to return to a more news-oriented approach, but so far the only “news” has been on-air flubs and parting ways with talent.
So while I criticized the channel earlier this week for their gun control advocacy during breaking news of a shooting…props now for holding the event—which frankly, the Biden side loved because Trump made some pretty clear statements they and GOP primary opponents will use against him.
The TV schedule showed it was a 90-minute event; insiders say that really mean closer to 75 minutes to allow for analyst commentary…however CNN pulled the plug 70 minutes into the event, some 20 minutes before audiences anticipated it being over. Curious.
Regardless, shame on those who don’t like Trump and demanded that CNN not give him voice. He is the leading candidate for a major party nomination for president. And let’s face it, either the Republican or Democrat candidate in 2024 is going to be the leader of the free world. How can CNN not bring him on? I’m a big fan of “let’s hear all voices and let you decide what you think” on our programs on KXEL…same goes here.
Besides…CNN’s middle name used to be news.
