CNN’s current embrace of Republican friends is an indication the embattled community is “making actual progress” in its effort to lure again viewers with a refreshed picture, in keeping with WarnerBros. Discovery boss David Zaslav.
Zaslav highlighted CNN’s centrist push throughout the mum or dad firm’s earnings name — whereas making no point out of current turmoil on the community over “CNN This Morning” anchor Don Lemon’s sexist remarks.
“We’re already seeing a extra inclusive vary of voices and viewpoints, as demonstrated final month, when over 70 Republicans got here on our air throughout their congressional speaker election course of, a primary in a really very long time, and we intend to proceed advancing on this balanced technique,” Zaslav advised analysts Thursday.
“We should get it proper. Nowhere is that this extra vital, in my opinion, and it isn’t going to occur in a single day, and I consider we’re on the appropriate path,” Zaslav added.
Zaslav and CNN president Chris Licht have made sweeping modifications on the community over the past yr — together with an overhaul of its programming lineup, the troubled relaunch of its morning present, the firing of longtime anchor Brian Stelter and a spherical of layoffs.
Zaslav reiterated his help for Licht throughout the name.
“Chris Licht and the staff are centered on constructing an asset for the long run throughout cable and digital that’s worthy of that nice world model,” he stated.
Beneath Licht’s course, CNN lately added a section from HBO’s “Actual Time with Invoice Maher” to its primetime lineup on Friday nights. The community has additionally reportedly approached NBA legend Charles Barkley a couple of potential internet hosting gig.
Thus far, the overhauled “CNN This Morning” has did not resonate with viewers. As The Put up reported, turmoil has engulfed the present, with Lemon clashing with co-anchors Kaitlin Collins and Poppy Harlow.
Lemon was pressured to apologize after triggering an uproar by declaring final week that 51-year-old GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley “isn’t in her prime.” He returned to “CNN This Morning” this week after a three-day absence.
Sarcastically, “CNN This Morning” noticed a 5% bump in viewership on the times Lemon missed.
