by Etse Sikanku
It’s pretty clear that CNN is going through some rough times. Now that Dobbs has left the network there is even less reason for conservatives of any kind to tune in.
If CNN is going to do well in this time slot they will have to recognize that just another hour of straight news will be downright boring. Yes, we all know that journalists are supposed to be transmitting information but journalism is also a privilege.The public service role of journalism will be incomplete if those in this position do not go beyond regurgitating “facts”.
Now I love John King because he’s my favorite kind of reporter (right up there with Ed Henry).However I doubt he’ll do anything to change the situation unless he alters his straight jacket reporter kind of presentation. Indeed if you consider CNN’s attempts at in-depth coverage, hard news and investigative reportage you’ve got to feel sad for their current position.
There’s got to be a reason why O’Reilly and Olbermann are doing better: partisanship and opinion journalism. CNN can tap into this model by appealing to the truly independent, non-partisan base. How? By finding someone who combines neutrality with the kind of forcefulness exhibited by Roland Martins, all mixed with a dose of Fareed Zakaria’s intellectual stimulation and Shepherd Smith’s on air presence. Is this so impossible? I know this sounds improbable, even mischievous and might NEVER happen but if it gets too hard they could take a chance on me, lol.
Anyway my point is this: there’s every indication that television viewers want more than straight news by the time it’s 7pm. Why not replace Lou with someone with a little more gravitas such as Martin or someone in the caliber of Zakaria. In fact CNN could be more daring by negotiating a toned Shepherd Smith from Fox since he’s one of the few personalities who’s loved by both the left and the right.
John King seems a safe choice plus everyone agrees he’s in love with that magic wall but he lacks star presence and will leave CNN playing defensively.
..I would take a chance on you any day, Etse. No, actually, all day, every day. Great insights. I pray for the right opportunity for you. You have consistently exhibited the objectivity and intellectual curiosity needed to be a stellar journalist not to mention the timeliness of your articles. Information decays rapidly, so thanks for posting these timely pieces and keeping our blog alive. Good job.
ReplyDeletehahaha, thanks for making my day DK. That was extremely generous of you!Chaley, i know right, we're so sick of all the academic stuff. Anyways i just think CNN is the only network trying to practice real journalism (after MSNBC sold out to the left and Fox's right leanings were never in doubt) and hope things go well for them.
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