Jon Stewart’s response to Larry King’s rather innocuous question of why Stewart “picks on CNN so much” was as simple as it was profound;
“You’re terrible“
Thus concluding CNN’s plodding grasp of its gargantuan potential in today’s world, limping behind rival networks as it tries to position itself in ratings battles instead of being a global difference maker. Stewart’s stand in saying that CNN is less of a voice than it is merely a microphone is really at the heart of the issue;
“I think CNN has a — an opportunity to be a real arbiter. But being a real arbiter means taking a stand, not just having people on — you’re on the left, you’re on the right. That’s like having people on in the cola wars. You’re from Pepsi; you’re from Coke. What do you think? I think we taste great. I think we taste great. That’s all the time we have.”
He goes on to say that while he does not agree with the politics or the irresponsibility of FOX News, they are at the very least “brilliantly authoritative” and that they “know what they’re doing” and that the bottom line for CNN is that they are simply, “squandered opportunity.”
Through the early days of CNN, global audiences were captivated by its 24-hour news service- the only one in the world at the time. It’s reach and broadcast were held in high regard and for consumers like myself who spent a great deal of time in Southeast Asia, CNN was the world brought to you. However, with the rise of highly editorialized and opinionated media, CNN failed to see the draw and allure of of such methodology, giving rise to FOX News and its slanted posturing.
Is plain old news just too boring in this day and age? Do audiences prefer highly editorialized communication with its requisite bells and whistles? Perhaps audiences in this modern age like to hear viewpoints that are both strong and opinionated but at the same time, clearly voiced in an ideologue.
It is a shame because Stewart is right about CNN’s potential, but I believe a lot of international viewers maintain that it is still the “classier” of the news broadcasters out there. I don’t think international audiences are too concerned with the kind of squabbling American politics that draws ratings and attention, but CNN could certainly do plenty to flex their muscle within the United States.
I do not always agree with the opinions of FOX News and at times, CNN’s more amicable nature makes for more comforting television but it is the strong views of the Sean Hannitys, Bill O’Reillys and Jon Stewarts of the world that make their voices memorable.
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This article sources material from Talking Points Memo, The Atlantic Wire and video originally by ScarceClips.
Absolutely wrong! I watch CNN because it gives BOTH sides. Whatever happened to equity in news reporting? ANd then there is the plain truth sometimes whcih FOX has missed. I don't watch just to hear someone else's opinion? Larry King still has it-he hosts currently interesting people.
Fair point. I think equity in reporting gets drowned out by the loudness of FOX who dominate the "news" even though they tend to do less reporting and more opining. I agree that I prefer to watch the news without a slant but I think Fox has distorted our understanding of what is and what isn't news.
I don't think CNN should be another FOX news but I do think that they have missed many opportunities. Where is the real reporting, access that is given by govermental officials, wall street and politicans has become more important than reporting the story. Can you imagine what would have happened if CNN had reported the real story leading up to the Iraq war? Where was CNN then? They shouldn't worry about Right or Left but really go after the stories.
LOL… CNN gives both sides?? Wow.