CNN’s new CEO Chris Licht is reportedly aiming to reduce the partisan nature of some of the network’s programming and on-air personalities.
Upon taking over for Jeff Zucker as CEO of CNN, Chris Licht has vowed to make some changes to the network.
Among them is the reduction of partisan programming and on-air personalities.
On Tuesday, Axiosreported on the plan, citing sources familiar with the matter.
If Licht gets his way, they say, on-air talent could be ousted if they can’t “adjust to a less partisan tone and strategy.”
Instead of simply firing those who he finds to be partisan, Licht is hoping to give hosts a chance to reform. Under Jeff Zucker, the network took on a more polarizing and combative tone, largely in response to Trump, who became a major target across its many shows.
As Axiosreports, the fix would involve “engaging in respectful interviews that don’t feel like PR stunts,” and “making programming decisions that are focused on nuance, not noise.”
This is not to say the network will become entirely bias-free; no network is. It simply means the partisan voices would no longer drown out the rest of the content, as many conservatives have pointed out has been the case as of late.
In April, Discovery took control of CNN in a massive merger with parent company WarnerMedia. The deal has brought with it changes in leadership and influence seeking to reform the network.
Among them is Discovery board member John Malone, who said he “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.”
Whether or not the changes Licht hopes to put in place achieve their desired goals remains to be seen, however even the mention of making CNN less partisan is a welcome thought for its critics and viewers alike.
