Still don't get this strategy. Trump voters will NEVER watch CNN. They've been told it's "fake news" for years now, so what makes CNN think they'll tune in unless they go full MAGA and praise every move by Musk and their dear leader. Being a genuine and robust news organization without all the commentary might be their only lane here.
The idea is attractive, but consider that commentary is relatively cheap whereas being a "genuine and robust news organization" requires a serious investment of resources: time, training, and, above all, money.
Once upon a time, like before the Reagan administration, there were many small- and mid-sized news outlets. These provided a training ground for young journalists who could then work up to one of the major national dailies. They also kept the major national dailies informed of what was going on outside metropolitan areas, so that important local and regional stories didn't get lost. Reaganomics destroyed much of that network with its tax and other policies favoring mergers & acquisitions, hedge funds, etc.
To say we're all the poorer for this is a huge understatement. And as the years go by, there are fewer and fewer people around who remember "the way it used to be." However, I'm encouraged by the rise of independent journalistic voices on Substack and elsewhere. The national audience (if there even is such a thing!) is far more fragmented than it was in the age of three major commercial networks plus public broadcasting, but it does seem that promising growth is rising through the rubble.
All part of the "Reagan Revolution." Dismantling New Deal era progressive policies and choking off independent and local media. The latter to better control what voices and political messaging is heard by the general public. It's working like a charm. There's some hope with all the newsletters and independent journalist/creators out there, but it's hard to reach a critical mass with multiple smaller players.
I used to work at a good-quality mid-sized daily newspaper that did real journalism (mostly) and there were too many editorial staff members for our allotment of desks and computers. It was obnoxiously loud because there were so many people in composing and classified and other advertising, but that was good. It was the very definition of "bustling." Now the entire building is just an empty shell and last time I was in there, possibly 10 employees total in all departments, working at any given time. What has happened to local news outlets is beyond depressing and I agree, it's terrible for places like CNN.
Maybe the strategy is this: If somebody dumps CNN now, and get a new unbiased cable news network ourselves, we want to show the Nation that we're doing something. We will keep ourselves from watching that news network, but we will let CNN keep the ratings be plunged until the network signs off the air and shuts down for the good of the press, the good of the people, the good of democracy, and the good of humanity, and then after that, it will be gone forever. This cable news network is currently nothing but a rubber stamp.
The only thing is, when one side is so obviously wrong, how can you have unbiased news? If you don’t call out the truth (which makes one side wrong), then you are being complicity with the lies (like CNN). I actually want my news to lean left now because that way I know I can count on the publication to not only tell me the truth but to have moral backbone. In times like this I feel like moral authenticity more important than any type of bias.
I suppose the real question is, what makes good journalism? Is it telling the truth or reporting with no bias? I want truth and moral integrity more than a lack of bias.
Yes. If CNN continues to make more lies thanks to a MAGA supporter and if the ratings keep plummeting, then this unfortunate news network, which I never watched it, will enforce a shutdown for good.
I will not watch CNN for any reason, despite some rather well-done documentaries airing lately. Until they get rid of Scott Jennings, that channel is off my dial. Not only are they losing 3 pairs of eyes in our house, but they're also missing out on that subscription I might have considered. And I am but one of many who feel the same.
I absolutely agree on Scott Jennings. Why he's on there when he brings no value to the table baffles me. Plus he doesn't have a good poker face when faced with facts about his king.
If MSNBC really "holds the left," then the left is well and truly fucked. Many of its hosts have inched toward the right, both-sidesing in their commentary. One was outed as a contact for Team Felon and last I knew (I no longer watch her in any capacity), still anchored a show there.
I watch only Maddow and O'Donnell now, because they are clear and direct in their opposition to the current administration/oligarchs. I watch here, since I refuse to pay for cable: https://livenewschat.eu/politics/
We quit watching MSNBC (except for Maddow and O'Donnell) before the election as too many of the anchors both-sided the issues. Some are proudly George Bush Republicans and some still harbor love for Ronald Reagan. None are old enough to still love Richard Nixon, but Trump is their guy!
I don't remember how far ahead of the election I scaled back, but the bedwetting coverage after Biden's debate performance prompted a stronger stance. I don't even watch YouTube videos of anyone else's programs any more. (I will watch Ali Velshi and Jonathan Capehart when they sub for O'Donnell.)
A variety of perspectives and opinions can indeed be supported by generally agreed-upon facts. What we've got here, as Mark points out, is something else: perspectives and opinions untethered to facts, and amplified by *the president of the United States*. There is no middle ground between that and responsible, fact-based journalism. (Come to think of it, there's no middle ground between democracy and fascism either.)
CNN Corp owners are trump supporters - even now. CNN talking heads and staff want to keep their jobs. They don't want to suffer Jim Acosta's fate. The owners want an oligarchy and their employees don't want to be fired. IMO, its a waste of time and effort to continue to appeal to them to wake the hell up and do real journalism. Not going to happen. Time is better spent doing the journalism that they won't do and report of the imminent perils we are facing. Time may be running out to do so.
cnn, msnbc, nbc, cbs, abc have all kissed the ring and will now go down in flames and be replaced by oann, fox, breitbart and whatever right wing operation that can be congered to disseminate government propaganda. The ‘free press’ is dead and mainstreammedia has committed suicide. They will all die a painful death by their own hand. Adios jackals. Truth will be found on substack and NON CORPORATE OWNED media so dont believe the crap you see on tv, they are too busy sanewashing a demagogue, thats a full time job and nobody will pay for it or advertise on it. cnn and all of the msm might as well just shut down, you squeezed it hard and now there is nothing left. Ownership will have a depleted, defeated rusting hulk to show for their efforts that has no value. Great job geniuses, money doesn’t make you smart.
Wanted to share this piece I put together with you—it’s about how the Democratic Party can’t afford to sit on the sidelines for the next four years and why they need to take control of the narrative now. It lays out a strategy for a Democratic shadow government and how it could be the key to winning back Congress in 2026 and the White House in 2028.
Would love to hear your thoughts when you have a minute.
Great article. A Shadow Government is desperately needed. And when legacy media lets the Democrats down, they need to be all over social media. And always remember that appealing to the emotions is key.
I watch CNN along with many other news media programs to stay in touch with just what they are all saying. Scott Jennings clearly seems to be interviewing for a position with the Trump regime at the White House. Rarely do I hear him share anything constructive and objective. I guess CNN is getting what they pay for.
Still don't get this strategy. Trump voters will NEVER watch CNN. They've been told it's "fake news" for years now, so what makes CNN think they'll tune in unless they go full MAGA and praise every move by Musk and their dear leader. Being a genuine and robust news organization without all the commentary might be their only lane here.
The idea is attractive, but consider that commentary is relatively cheap whereas being a "genuine and robust news organization" requires a serious investment of resources: time, training, and, above all, money.
Once upon a time, like before the Reagan administration, there were many small- and mid-sized news outlets. These provided a training ground for young journalists who could then work up to one of the major national dailies. They also kept the major national dailies informed of what was going on outside metropolitan areas, so that important local and regional stories didn't get lost. Reaganomics destroyed much of that network with its tax and other policies favoring mergers & acquisitions, hedge funds, etc.
To say we're all the poorer for this is a huge understatement. And as the years go by, there are fewer and fewer people around who remember "the way it used to be." However, I'm encouraged by the rise of independent journalistic voices on Substack and elsewhere. The national audience (if there even is such a thing!) is far more fragmented than it was in the age of three major commercial networks plus public broadcasting, but it does seem that promising growth is rising through the rubble.
All part of the "Reagan Revolution." Dismantling New Deal era progressive policies and choking off independent and local media. The latter to better control what voices and political messaging is heard by the general public. It's working like a charm. There's some hope with all the newsletters and independent journalist/creators out there, but it's hard to reach a critical mass with multiple smaller players.
I used to work at a good-quality mid-sized daily newspaper that did real journalism (mostly) and there were too many editorial staff members for our allotment of desks and computers. It was obnoxiously loud because there were so many people in composing and classified and other advertising, but that was good. It was the very definition of "bustling." Now the entire building is just an empty shell and last time I was in there, possibly 10 employees total in all departments, working at any given time. What has happened to local news outlets is beyond depressing and I agree, it's terrible for places like CNN.
Maybe the strategy is this: If somebody dumps CNN now, and get a new unbiased cable news network ourselves, we want to show the Nation that we're doing something. We will keep ourselves from watching that news network, but we will let CNN keep the ratings be plunged until the network signs off the air and shuts down for the good of the press, the good of the people, the good of democracy, and the good of humanity, and then after that, it will be gone forever. This cable news network is currently nothing but a rubber stamp.
The only thing is, when one side is so obviously wrong, how can you have unbiased news? If you don’t call out the truth (which makes one side wrong), then you are being complicity with the lies (like CNN). I actually want my news to lean left now because that way I know I can count on the publication to not only tell me the truth but to have moral backbone. In times like this I feel like moral authenticity more important than any type of bias.
I suppose the real question is, what makes good journalism? Is it telling the truth or reporting with no bias? I want truth and moral integrity more than a lack of bias.
Yes. If CNN continues to make more lies thanks to a MAGA supporter and if the ratings keep plummeting, then this unfortunate news network, which I never watched it, will enforce a shutdown for good.
I will not watch CNN for any reason, despite some rather well-done documentaries airing lately. Until they get rid of Scott Jennings, that channel is off my dial. Not only are they losing 3 pairs of eyes in our house, but they're also missing out on that subscription I might have considered. And I am but one of many who feel the same.
I absolutely agree on Scott Jennings. Why he's on there when he brings no value to the table baffles me. Plus he doesn't have a good poker face when faced with facts about his king.
AGREED!!
If MSNBC really "holds the left," then the left is well and truly fucked. Many of its hosts have inched toward the right, both-sidesing in their commentary. One was outed as a contact for Team Felon and last I knew (I no longer watch her in any capacity), still anchored a show there.
I watch only Maddow and O'Donnell now, because they are clear and direct in their opposition to the current administration/oligarchs. I watch here, since I refuse to pay for cable: https://livenewschat.eu/politics/
We quit watching MSNBC (except for Maddow and O'Donnell) before the election as too many of the anchors both-sided the issues. Some are proudly George Bush Republicans and some still harbor love for Ronald Reagan. None are old enough to still love Richard Nixon, but Trump is their guy!
Same for me, Mary; glad I'm not alone.
I don't remember how far ahead of the election I scaled back, but the bedwetting coverage after Biden's debate performance prompted a stronger stance. I don't even watch YouTube videos of anyone else's programs any more. (I will watch Ali Velshi and Jonathan Capehart when they sub for O'Donnell.)
Good read. Appalling FOX viewing is up so much. That’s a lot of hrs of brainwashing.
A variety of perspectives and opinions can indeed be supported by generally agreed-upon facts. What we've got here, as Mark points out, is something else: perspectives and opinions untethered to facts, and amplified by *the president of the United States*. There is no middle ground between that and responsible, fact-based journalism. (Come to think of it, there's no middle ground between democracy and fascism either.)
CNN Corp owners are trump supporters - even now. CNN talking heads and staff want to keep their jobs. They don't want to suffer Jim Acosta's fate. The owners want an oligarchy and their employees don't want to be fired. IMO, its a waste of time and effort to continue to appeal to them to wake the hell up and do real journalism. Not going to happen. Time is better spent doing the journalism that they won't do and report of the imminent perils we are facing. Time may be running out to do so.
CNN went swirling down the toilet several years ago
Thanks for the laugh.
I haven’t abandoned CNN, but yes I turn to another channel if Scott Jennings comes on. I he ever had any credibility, he’s lost it completely.
🙏💕❤️
cnn, msnbc, nbc, cbs, abc have all kissed the ring and will now go down in flames and be replaced by oann, fox, breitbart and whatever right wing operation that can be congered to disseminate government propaganda. The ‘free press’ is dead and mainstreammedia has committed suicide. They will all die a painful death by their own hand. Adios jackals. Truth will be found on substack and NON CORPORATE OWNED media so dont believe the crap you see on tv, they are too busy sanewashing a demagogue, thats a full time job and nobody will pay for it or advertise on it. cnn and all of the msm might as well just shut down, you squeezed it hard and now there is nothing left. Ownership will have a depleted, defeated rusting hulk to show for their efforts that has no value. Great job geniuses, money doesn’t make you smart.
Wanted to share this piece I put together with you—it’s about how the Democratic Party can’t afford to sit on the sidelines for the next four years and why they need to take control of the narrative now. It lays out a strategy for a Democratic shadow government and how it could be the key to winning back Congress in 2026 and the White House in 2028.
Would love to hear your thoughts when you have a minute.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jasonegenberg/p/democrats-need-a-shadow-government?r=3nm35j&utm_medium=ios
I encourage everyone to read the article. Jason Egenberg has laid out an excellent strategy that Democrats need to implement immediately.
Thank you. I appreciate you.
Great article. A Shadow Government is desperately needed. And when legacy media lets the Democrats down, they need to be all over social media. And always remember that appealing to the emotions is key.
Deleted the CNN app and using NPR.
I also loaded the BBC app
All of #MainstreamMedia is at this point.
CNN can go suck expensive eggs. They are insincere at best and complicit at worst.
CNN hasn't learned in a decade that you can't meet Trump's Evil, Halfway!!
I watch CNN along with many other news media programs to stay in touch with just what they are all saying. Scott Jennings clearly seems to be interviewing for a position with the Trump regime at the White House. Rarely do I hear him share anything constructive and objective. I guess CNN is getting what they pay for.
I watched it sink as a Robin Meade fan and Jim Acosta fan I will never watch CNN again!!