Is CNN’s Shift To Conservative Viewpoints, Eroding Its Credibility?

It’s been well documented that CNN’s former CEO Chris Licht had changed the cable news network’s vision. To create unbiased coverage that would give both the Republican and Democratic views of each political story covered.

Licht was fired after only 13 months as the network’s top executive. Shortly after a story in The Atlantic, painted a picture of Licht’s tenure as a monumental failure. As ratings declined and many of the staff journalists felt the new approach was embarrassing. The culmination of this was when CNN hosted a live town hall with Donald Trump.

The Trump town hall held in New Hampshire was filled with devout MAGA supporters. Kaitlin Collins, who moderated the spectacle, did all she could to fact-check Trump’s habitual lies. However, Trump’s overwhelming barrage of false claims was embraced by the cult-like crowd. Ultimately the prime-time event was crucified by Journalists everywhere.

With Licht now out as head of the network. Most were expecting the cable news outlet to resort back to its traditional format. Yet that has not been the case. For viewers, it’s clear that CNN has kept the right-leaning agenda. The continued Republican coverage can be attributed to two men far above Licht’s pay grade. These are the men who set the directive for Licht to implement.

David Zaslav and John Malone are the true forces behind CNN’s shift to the right. In a 2022 merger CNN is now under the umbrella of Warner Brothers Discovery. Which is overseen by CEO David Zaslav. It was Zaslav’s vision that Licht installed. He has been adamant that CNN take on more of a conservative viewpoint. An effort to capture a large portion of viewers who traditionally gravitate to Fox News.

John Malone a Republican Billionaire. was the largest shareholder of Discovery at the time of the merger. He now has a seat on the board of CNN’s new parent corporation. Malone who is a major Republican donor has contributed $250,000 to Trump’s inaugural fund along with tens of thousands more to his 2020 Presidential bid. Malone was also a contributor to Trump’s “Save America “ PAC which funded the events leading to the January 6th insurrection.

With this pair still at the helm of CNN’s parent company. The network has continued its vision of a down-the-middle approach. Giving a large portion of its segments the right-wing slant on issues.

CNN employs an all-star cast of journalists who are some of the most respected in the business. They also have a vast number of highly qualified and skilled contributors from both sides of the aisle. Talent that no other television news network can compare with. The CNN roster is certainly not what has concerned viewers as of late.

It is the constant focus on Republican talking points that have steered CNN away from its journalistic integrity. A once proud home to fact-based journalism and opinion pieces. Has devolved into a parade of verbal slap fights between their respected hosts and those Republican officials spreading misinformation and conservative propaganda.

The new vision intended to give both sides of the political spectrum an equal voice. Is impossible to achieve when the right wing has abandoned truth and facts. As the GOP continues to ignore policy issues in favor of the divisive social stances that ignite their base. Causing discussions on most topics to be wildly inconsistent when the right side is trafficking in false narratives.

It is a frightening reality that is driving viewers who once trusted the integrity of the network to its competition. Networks with a fraction of CNN’s journalistic talent. That doesn’t give shelter to Republicans spewing lies and hateful rhetoric.

CNN is quickly coming to a crossroads. They need to look themselves in the mirror and decide. Will they be a place that gives both parties equal opportunity to advance their agendas? Or will they only report the truth and facts uncovered by award-winning journalism?

We know that the corporate hierarchy certainly embraces the current model of conservative heavy opinions. However, those who have been loyal viewers throughout the years. Yearn for a return to outstanding journalism and commitment to truth. Which set it apart from its rivals at Fox.

Facing a“Sophie’s Choice” of which direction to commit to. CNN must ultimately decide. Because in today’s political climate. Where only one of the two parties plays by the rules. Rules that, facts do exist and embellishing rhetoric does not make something true. Leaving the network to pick which method will support its unbiased vision. In today’s society, for CNN to achieve that goal. It is impossible to do both and remain a trusted news source.