CNN’s new boss Chris Licht is “monitoring anchors including Jim Acosta [and] Brian Stelter” and is prepared to “oust” them if they fail to change their “partisan” ways, according to reports.
According to a new report from Axios, Licht is “scrutinizing talent for partisan tone” to see if they are able to move away from the left-wing propaganda reporting they have become used to.
Licht has changed directions at CNN and is taking the network away from the far-left partisan, sensational coverage during the Trump years.
He says he wants to take it back to its roots doing straight news.
As part of his process, he is evaluating whether the talent who became polarizing during the Trump years for ratings can adapt to the network’s new plan to drop the PR stunts and be less partisan.
“We are truth-tellers, focused on informing, not alarming our viewers,” Licht said.
CNN's Chris Licht Set to 'Oust' Partisan Talent Who Won't Fall in Line: Report https://t.co/0xKMYudCHm
— Jon Nicosia (@NewsPolitics) June 7, 2022
According to Axios: “If talent cannot adjust to a less partisan tone and strategy, they could be ousted, three sources familiar with the matter tell Axios.
“Licht wants to give personalities that may appear polarizing a chance to prove they’re willing to uphold the network’s values so that they don’t tarnish CNN’s journalism brand.
“For on-air talent, that includes engaging in respectful interviews that don’t feel like PR stunts.
“For producers and bookers, that includes making programming decisions that are focused on nuance, not noise.
“CNN’s tone became more partisan and combative during the Trump era and under the leadership of former CNN president Jeff Zucker.”
🚨 SCOOP @sarafischer @axios:
CNN’s Chris Licht scrutinizes talent for partisan tone … monitoring anchors including Jim @Acosta, @brianstelter to see if they can comport w new style — no interviews that look like stunts
Those who can’t may get canned https://t.co/i01vTgZ4Op
— Mike Allen (@mikeallen) June 7, 2022
Last year, Discovery’s majority shareholder and Trump donor John Malone revealed what he wanted to do with CNN when his team took control:
“I would like to see CNN evolve back to the kind of journalism that it started with, and actually have journalists, which would be unique and refreshing.”
John Malone one of Discovery Channel’s major share holders purchasing CNN admitting CNN does not have real news or real journalists! pic.twitter.com/pNye4zZvLl
— Randy Quaid (@RandyRRQuaid) December 7, 2021
According to the New York Times:
“A month into his tenure as the new leader of CNN, Chris Licht is starting to leave his mark on the 24-hour news network he inherited in May from its prominent former president, Jeff Zucker.
So far, the Licht Doctrine is a change from the Zucker days: less hype, more nuance, and a redoubled effort to reach viewers of all stripes.
“CNN’s ubiquitous ‘Breaking News’ banner is gone, now reserved for instances of truly urgent events.
“Snarky onscreen captions are discouraged. Political shows are trying to book more conservative voices, and producers have been urged to ignore Twitter backlash from the far right and the far left.”
