Stopped watching cable news decades ago. Don't miss it one bit. Stick with reading the news. It's much less aggravating, and readers can choose their own topics at leisure.
8
Please stop referring to Trump as "the leader of the free wrold." This title is earned not bestowed. Perhaps I misunderstood ... perhaps you more appropriately meant Merkel or Macron.
11
Macron earned it by forming his government on June 21, 2 weeks ago.
Im going to demonstrate an abundance of caution and wait at least another week before bestowing him the "Leader of the Free World."
Im going to demonstrate an abundance of caution and wait at least another week before bestowing him the "Leader of the Free World."
Mr Zucker has forged CNN in his own image a highly partisan, ethically challenged organization. CNN has routinely insulted the President and his Family, which never would have been tolerated under the previous administration. Now they are crying like the school yard bully that was finally punched back. I have no sympathy for CNN, their CEO led them down this well deserved path and they have to suck up the consequences. If they were smart Mr Zucker would be fired.
2
Trump's tweet was a funny way to call CNN out after they were outright busted on video spreading a knowingly false narrative of 'Russia collusion'.
Now it's one thing for CNN's PR department to respond with the laughably convenient statement a humorous wrestlemania mockup 'incited violence' against journalists. If only they left it at that. They then had their 'journalists' breathlessly regurgitate the corporate damage control line from the corporate PR department one after the other live on air. In all seriousness.
It felt like watching a broadcast version of The Onion. The phony, hyperventilating outrage was way funnier than Trump's tweet.
It's all been very entertaining and the joke was on Zucker & CNN.
Now it's one thing for CNN's PR department to respond with the laughably convenient statement a humorous wrestlemania mockup 'incited violence' against journalists. If only they left it at that. They then had their 'journalists' breathlessly regurgitate the corporate damage control line from the corporate PR department one after the other live on air. In all seriousness.
It felt like watching a broadcast version of The Onion. The phony, hyperventilating outrage was way funnier than Trump's tweet.
It's all been very entertaining and the joke was on Zucker & CNN.
5
All media is biased. Today a citizen wanting to be accurately informed has his work cut out. Need to spend too much time and read a whole bunch of stuff from the Left and Right to get even a vague idea of what's really going on. It's a sad time for what formerly passed as 'objective journalism'.
3
Contrary to Chris Cuomo's claim, CNN is less Thunderdome than echo chamber. All day it is Russia Russia Russia with an occasional morsel something else (North Korea threatens to nuke LA, but meanwhile, after the break, a CNN exclusive - How To Tell If There Are Russians in Your Basement!) When an ostensibly "Republican" counterpoint is heard from, it is usually a former Bush (hates Trump) affiliate or Lindsay Graham (really really hates Trump). As "news" this is useless. Thankfully, Al Jazeera US and BBC still report what used to be thought of as news. But CNN? Russians! They're everywhere!
6
This article is the height of misdirection. CNN has become a platform for the "resistance" which makes them political operatives as opposed to journalists. They deserve anything hurled back their way.
3
If CNN put half the effort into verifying their "news" reports that they put into finding and threatening a person who made a video they disliked, perhaps their reputation would improve. Alas ...
1
Maybe we pay way too much attention to the cable "news" networks, given their relatively small viewership. According to Variety: "For the [most recent] quarter, the top five programs in total viewers are: Fox News’ “Tucker Carlson Tonight” (2.71 million); MSNBC’s “The Rachel Maddow Show” (2.52 million); Fox News’ “Hannity” (2.51 million); Fox News’ “The Five” (2.47 million); and Fox News’ “Special Report With Bret Baier” (2.34 million)." This is less than 1% of the population watching each of the most popular cable shows. The numbers for their other shows are much worse. Plus, most people who watch are over 65, a demographic that tends not to change its political allegiance. By contrast, an NCIS episode draws over 11 million viewers.
4
"Leader of the free world"? Lead us to perdition is all...
5
Mr. Zucker, "said the network was on track to clear more than $1 billion in profit this year." Pretty much sums up the concern CNN has for its rapid move away from journalistic standards and objectivity.
Pretty soon, CNN will be reporting only on itself, completely severing any connection with people who don't despise Trump. It is like a bubble within the bubble, which is already out of touch with most of America.
Pretty soon, CNN will be reporting only on itself, completely severing any connection with people who don't despise Trump. It is like a bubble within the bubble, which is already out of touch with most of America.
9
As opposed to Fox News?
4
I think that hubris, not Trump, may be CNN's greatest adversary.
If the network focused more on elevating their journalistic standards and practices, and less on getting the latest scoop designed to undermine President Trump, they would be on a winning trajectory.
Some of CNN's most prominent figures, through their own Twitter wars and outbursts have dispensed with any sense of neutrality, and have oftentimes lowered the level of discourse (and also has led to dismissal).
If Trump's behavior toward the network has been "bad", CNN takes it to "worse" through their shoddily researched "gotcha" pieces (as evidenced by the recent retraction of a Trump/Russia story, and subsequent resignations of employees).
If one could point to a single instance of CNN's misguided trajectory, I think that it would be that they devoted time to investigate the man who created the video meme that President Trump shared, and then in their story documenting his apology, issued what some perceived as a veiled threat to oust him if he crossed their path again.
Instances like these provide more fuel for the adversaries of CNN, and only further muddy the water.
If the network focused more on elevating their journalistic standards and practices, and less on getting the latest scoop designed to undermine President Trump, they would be on a winning trajectory.
Some of CNN's most prominent figures, through their own Twitter wars and outbursts have dispensed with any sense of neutrality, and have oftentimes lowered the level of discourse (and also has led to dismissal).
If Trump's behavior toward the network has been "bad", CNN takes it to "worse" through their shoddily researched "gotcha" pieces (as evidenced by the recent retraction of a Trump/Russia story, and subsequent resignations of employees).
If one could point to a single instance of CNN's misguided trajectory, I think that it would be that they devoted time to investigate the man who created the video meme that President Trump shared, and then in their story documenting his apology, issued what some perceived as a veiled threat to oust him if he crossed their path again.
Instances like these provide more fuel for the adversaries of CNN, and only further muddy the water.
4
"Kettle? Hey this is Pot. Um, you're black."
5
Whenever CNN plays the victim card just remember, this is the Network that told its viewers its people were under attack during the first Gulf War while using blue screen special effects in Atlanta in order to fool its audience. Their history of lying is long and well documented
12
That's a pretty big claim. I couldn't find a single credible source to back it up.
7
Yeah... and the moon landings were also filmed in a studio... right?
4
I had dismissed CNN (pretty much all cable news) as irrelevant several years ago. A media arena in which a propaganda organ like Fox News was counted as a journalistic enterprise made the whole genre a joke, from my viewpoint. But now I'm a big fan, mostly because CNN has become the most prominent outlet in the battle against a dishonest demagogue who threatens to topple the first amendment and the fourth estate. I'm also a big fan of redemption and I'd like to see CNN and Mr. Zucker atone for the free publicity and unfettered platform they provided Mr. Trump when his candidacy was just a publicity stunt.
17
CNN is accusing Trump of inciting violence against the media...
Ridiculous. The media is doing a much better job of that than the president every could.
Their lying and bias infuriates everyone with two brain cells.
Ridiculous. The media is doing a much better job of that than the president every could.
Their lying and bias infuriates everyone with two brain cells.
15
I guess that's why you're whining.
4
What infuriates everyone with two brain cells is Trump's constant lies, bullying, corruption, and incompetence.
8
Trump rails at CNN as his straw man. It's a sham. He has his tout Jeff Lord - Chief Sycophant there. He fears MSNBC and Maddow, O'Donnell plus morning Joe because they nail his sorry fat carcass to his lies time and again. He's reliant on FOX and CNN continuing to dominate in the free trailer park cable basic six pack of 'free tv." His censorship threat to CNN on its merger is yet another potential count toward his impeachment for abuse of office and violation of the 1st Amendment.
10
It doesn't look like fear, Trump is hitting back hard and scoring big points while CNN is on the ropes looking ready to throw in the towel.
The likes of CNN with their clear bias of reporting proven by their love affair with Obama whom they agree with ideologically and near total war with Trump whom they disagree with ideologically is more of threat to democracy than anything that Trump has said or done.
You cannot have a free open democracy without a free and unbiased press.
The likes of CNN with their clear bias of reporting proven by their love affair with Obama whom they agree with ideologically and near total war with Trump whom they disagree with ideologically is more of threat to democracy than anything that Trump has said or done.
You cannot have a free open democracy without a free and unbiased press.
3
One has to wonder if anyone at CNN has a clue.
The latest PR disaster involving tracking down and threatening the creator of the wrestling political cartoon is just another example of how badly they seem to understand the optics of what they are doing.
Some users on the internet are political, but the bulk are using the internet for entertainment purposes.
There are many many many bored young people who use the internet but have little interest in the political discussion, until it somehow intrudes upon what they see as their world.
CNN searching out and slapping down one of these millions of internet users... has no one at CNN ever seen what happens when a bee hive is disturbed?
The latest PR disaster involving tracking down and threatening the creator of the wrestling political cartoon is just another example of how badly they seem to understand the optics of what they are doing.
Some users on the internet are political, but the bulk are using the internet for entertainment purposes.
There are many many many bored young people who use the internet but have little interest in the political discussion, until it somehow intrudes upon what they see as their world.
CNN searching out and slapping down one of these millions of internet users... has no one at CNN ever seen what happens when a bee hive is disturbed?
16
Yup, they see it all the time they receive the next batch of hate mail from Trumpistas. Talking about a bee hive...
3
While not a huge fan of CNN, I have to say that I find them far more credible than President Trump. They can at least acknowledge mistakes and take corrective actions unlike this administration.
14
given the absolute unprecedented all out attacks to obstruct and delegitimize the president this further whining and attempted victimhood by CNN shows that the media and the left are still completely out of touch with most of us - Trump trolls CNN and they bite every time.
The Harvard media study had CNN at 93% negative stories.
Who's trying to bully whom?
The Harvard media study had CNN at 93% negative stories.
Who's trying to bully whom?
16
I'm more amazed they could find enough positive things to fill 7% of the stories with it...?
1
If CNN were smart they would start exposing Steve Bannon, the most dangerous man in America today.
6
CNN decries Trump's doctored WWE video as an incitement to violence against the media, but then goes out and threatens to ruin the life of anyone who misbehaves by mocking it with videos like that--at least that's the message they sent. What's wrong with this picture?
15
The irony of CNN”s statement was that on line reporters from CNN and other anti-Trump news outlets were making light and fun of Kathy Griffin’s disturbing video holding a fake mock-up of the president’s severed head.
After the pro-wrestling event, with President Trump throwing to the floor a man with a CNN logo for a head throwing to the floor a man with a CNN logo for a head; CNN and it’s hypercritical reporters said in a statement that Trump was encouraging his supporters to attack journalists and reporters. Most of the other political left anti-Trump liberal news media who are financially supported by Obama and anti-Semitic George Soros, also have an opposite meaning of President Trump’s throwing a head of an CNN logo by accusing him of encouraging his supporters to attack journalists. Hypercritical fake news reporting; March’s on!!
After the pro-wrestling event, with President Trump throwing to the floor a man with a CNN logo for a head throwing to the floor a man with a CNN logo for a head; CNN and it’s hypercritical reporters said in a statement that Trump was encouraging his supporters to attack journalists and reporters. Most of the other political left anti-Trump liberal news media who are financially supported by Obama and anti-Semitic George Soros, also have an opposite meaning of President Trump’s throwing a head of an CNN logo by accusing him of encouraging his supporters to attack journalists. Hypercritical fake news reporting; March’s on!!
2
Phil Donahue is right. The national news media has a "glass jaw."
10
"But the president’s denunciations — in stinging tweets and slashing speeches, in phrases like “fraud news” and “garbage journalism” — have far outstripped his criticisms of other prominent news outlets, like The New York Times or The Washington Post."
Only the NYTimes would self-identify as a prominent news source. Maybe "formerly prominent" would be more accurate. Same goes for WaPo which hasn't practiced journalism since Ben Bradlee retired.
Only the NYTimes would self-identify as a prominent news source. Maybe "formerly prominent" would be more accurate. Same goes for WaPo which hasn't practiced journalism since Ben Bradlee retired.
10
I rarely tune into CNN any more. The innumerable, poorly-moderated shouting matches that all to often are presented as "discourse" and "debate" frustrate the viewer interested in understanding issues. A number of the moderators seem Incapable of developing a deep understanding of issues they regularly cover. And in presenting all sides of issues, should there not be some minimum standard of honesty that must be met by someone who is to appear on CNN ?
18
You have it reversed--the title should be "The Leader of the Free World Against Network". Trump's vitriolic attacks against the media should be of grave concern to all Americans across the political spectrum: right, left, and center. It represents an attack on the foundations of our democracy.
5
Or, perhaps they deserve it. I certainly think they do. But then, I think the Times does, too :0)
11
Have you been lying in the sun too long?... There is no grave concern when the President of the United States responds to slander by a discredited organization like CNN. I'm frankly amazed that they have been allowed to 'make up' fictional attacks on Trump, such as their ridiculous Russia allegations, with no repercussions. Thank God, Trump is 'also' entitled to free speech in this country, THAT is what makes the USA great.
12
No. It's called freedom of speech. A right granted even to POTUS.
2
Of course CNN is biased. But they strive to present facts in their reportage, and they issue corrections or retractions as necessary. When had breitbart ever done that? When has Donald Trump ever done that?
5
Breitbart cites it sources. They have far fewer needs for corrections.
10
You have to laugh at this story. In an interview days before Trump's inauguration, Zucker tried to bully Trump. He reminded the interviewer (I believe with the New Yorker magazine) that CNN would shape world opinion of Trump, and therefore Trump should try to have a positive relationship with the organization. Not only did Zucker try to bully Trump with that statement, in effect he announced that CNN wasn't an actual news organization. This was a tacit admission by Zucker, that CNN operates as a policy and opinion shaping organization, not a news organization. Zucker was foreshadowing recent events. It's too bad the NY Times won't make the same admission. At least we could have some modicum of respect for it.
18
The Press has forever been engaged in shaping opinions - CNN is not unique in this ... they just are about one of the least effective at doing it because they pounce like a crazed hippopotamus rather than using a soft sell. Frankly, for decades the major media - Alphabet TV networks and the NYT and WAPO got away with their spinning of the news because the opposition had no effective major voice. William Buckley was but one voice against the overwhelming cacophony of the Progressive voices.
7
Trump has very pointedly denied the media an opportunity to shape anything and appears not at all interested in receiving direction or input from the media. To the media's horror, Trump has relegated it to...reporting.
Needless to say the media hasn't accepted its new reduced role very well. For 8 years it's had an incestuous relationship with the Obama Administration and basically been spoon fed talking points. Now the media has to go out and actually work (investigate) for its news.
Now, instead of working, the media would rather attack Trump. That's where the ratings are, and that's what Zucker wants.
Needless to say the media hasn't accepted its new reduced role very well. For 8 years it's had an incestuous relationship with the Obama Administration and basically been spoon fed talking points. Now the media has to go out and actually work (investigate) for its news.
Now, instead of working, the media would rather attack Trump. That's where the ratings are, and that's what Zucker wants.
The left was sure to eventually shoot themselves in the foot, maybe even the head. Unfortunately for them, they signaled to President Trump what their intentions were from his first day in office when they posted a picture of the inauguration crowd five hours before he was sworn in as an attempt to try and depict no one showing up for it.
I was there and that picture was a bald-faced distortion and they knew it. It was from that point on that ALL Trump voters realized that they were playing against a stacked deck and it's been from that point on that they've wished for their President to fight back. And he has. With gusto and determination. Now looking at the state of CNN, who is winning this fight? Not Zucker, that's for sure.
I was there and that picture was a bald-faced distortion and they knew it. It was from that point on that ALL Trump voters realized that they were playing against a stacked deck and it's been from that point on that they've wished for their President to fight back. And he has. With gusto and determination. Now looking at the state of CNN, who is winning this fight? Not Zucker, that's for sure.
12
If u ask me, Headline News makes me so mad too. Usually i'm stuck at the airport but they r so mean to potus. Poor Donald.
2
After the steady stream of fiascos of the last month, it's very difficult to take CNN seriously as a journalistic enterprise any more.
21
"He's trying to bully us..."
Hmm...takes one to know one...?
Hmm...takes one to know one...?
12
I heard David Gregory refer to Trump as liar several times in one segment last week , maybe he is right but I have never heard him referring to Obama or Hillary as liars. "You like your doctor you can keep your doctor" ; "Benghazi happened because of a video" to name just 2 examples. For me that's just hypocritical.
18
"...It is rare that a single news organization attracts the level of ire mustered by President Trump, who over the weekend posted on Twitter a video that portrayed him wrestling a figure with the logo of CNN for a head..."
___
Politics aside for a moment, this is pure marketing genius and it plays into Trump's FAKE NEWS wheelhouse:
Wrestling is FAKE!
___
Politics aside for a moment, this is pure marketing genius and it plays into Trump's FAKE NEWS wheelhouse:
Wrestling is FAKE!
6
...wrestling IS fake... even the lowest of low brow Americans knows it's just theatrics and for fun and hijinks... and yet CNN erupts in a grand mall case of the vapors and hysterics over it.
Certainly... not EVERYONE is an idiot over at CNN... but they are signaling that they are idiots... because too many folks over there have been slurping up their own propaganda.
If you think about it... that's pretty pathetic. CNN's near complete destruction of their credibility... because they are in the phony news soup so deep they are even believing their own phony stories as "terrible and important facts!"
A rapidly growing crowd of folks whose politics lean left are looking at CNN and just shaking their heads.
Certainly... not EVERYONE is an idiot over at CNN... but they are signaling that they are idiots... because too many folks over there have been slurping up their own propaganda.
If you think about it... that's pretty pathetic. CNN's near complete destruction of their credibility... because they are in the phony news soup so deep they are even believing their own phony stories as "terrible and important facts!"
A rapidly growing crowd of folks whose politics lean left are looking at CNN and just shaking their heads.
3
In the initial years of CNN it was respectable, :19 and :49 each hour - Sports and then weather maps followed by hi/lows in major cities around the country.
After H.W. and Kuwait, Clinton and Monica, the Internet opening the Windows of the public to Globalization, things really began to change and partisanship took on a new meaning. That political window is seemingly becoming more an abyss evermore and rocketing towards an inevitable black hole.
After H.W. and Kuwait, Clinton and Monica, the Internet opening the Windows of the public to Globalization, things really began to change and partisanship took on a new meaning. That political window is seemingly becoming more an abyss evermore and rocketing towards an inevitable black hole.
When CNN's news anchors literally cried on-air during election night, CNN lost all their credibility. The emotion was real, which clearly indicated they are not objective journalists and are more interested in pushing an agenda, which is the same thing as "bullying". They are using a medium to bully, rather than pulling your underwear up over your head. I think this entire process exposed Zucker to be a ( insert your choice of derogatory weakling nouns here).
10
CNN, you have nothing to worry about. Your online content can be a bit odd at times, and the 'Breaking News' mantra is tedious. But you're still the one most of us tune to for information, especially during times of crisis.
Just keep doing what you're doing--well, except for the incessant 'Breaking News' clammer--and let the big guy engage in all his nonsense.
Just keep doing what you're doing--well, except for the incessant 'Breaking News' clammer--and let the big guy engage in all his nonsense.
4
Oh - and how about they cover news that isn't just Trump? What if they actually look at John Podesta's connections with Russian banks and the board of director seats he held that did indirect, but very substantial business with Russian, state controlled, banks.
But then - that isn't of interest to those they are playing to in order to get more attention. Seems integrity went out the window at CNN - and most news organizations years ago.
But then - that isn't of interest to those they are playing to in order to get more attention. Seems integrity went out the window at CNN - and most news organizations years ago.
7
At least they're not giving wall-to-wall coverage of the missing Malaysian plane anymore.....
What is clear to me is that Trump has something to hide, evidenced by his relentless demonization campaign against CNN and all other media hot on his trail. He wants them backpedaling and will be merciless. People who are innocent wouldn't need to behave this way.
2
Poppycock. Judging from their problems, CNN has far more to hide.
7
Yeah...don't feel bad for this guy...
2
That's rich coming from the sleazy CNN hacks.
8
Once upon a time...'we' were thrilled to be told that the WORLD's would be accessible to us on TV. And for a while it was so. Then Ted Turner sold it. I tolerate CNN and tune in more than before becuz Trump hates them. Maybe I could feel better about it if Jeffrey Lord wasn't invited... But hey, NICOLE WALLACE on MSNBC is pretty good - for now.
1
CNN is borrowing a page out of Kathy Griffin's lame excuse book.
Here's my advice. Run & hide in your safe spaces.
Here's my advice. Run & hide in your safe spaces.
10
So President Trump is trying to bully the network that is trying to depose him. Imagine that.
8
Will Opinion writers in the NY Times please STOP calling Trump the "leader of the free world" !! He is not! He lost that title for US presidents when he trashed our allies. Ask anyone in Europe if they consider him the most important leader in the world, even in the free world, they will say no. Leadership is about more than having a massive military machine at your disposal. Trump is an embarrassment and he certainly doesn't have any leadership skills.
3
If CNN doesn't like to be "bullied", then it should stand up for itself and pursue some legitimate journalism that knocks the bully down.
6
The Shoe is on the other foot now. Mr. Zucker basked in the ratings during the primary season when his network gave untold free air time to Candidate Trump. You reap what you sow.
4
Zucker thinks it is unique for people to have to feel afraid because of something their president said. Ask him to talk to any policeman in America about how they feel due to the actions of Obama. Police deaths are up 17%. The Obama administration made it okay yo hate the police and almost okay to kill them.
11
I think we know who the real fascist is, Mr. Zucker.
9
CNN stay alive if the Trumpster gets his way as a "lil dictator" he would get rid of all the news media and start to be a regime of terror we would not be a free country and get the truth. Mr. Zucker you can't let this fraud as a president dictate what we see, hear, or speak.
We are NOT in a COMMUNIST COUNTRY. This "so called" president is already getting our or my voter address, SSN, and how I voted. That is against the very principle of a free elections and how we vote. My question to you Mr. Zucker is how come NO one is reporting this news on CNN.
Trumpster hates when CNN tells the truth and has objective concepts which I appreciate. You CNN are reporting obstruction and collusion of this president who has violated the Nepotism Laws, loves dictator like Putin, takes personal and financial advantages of our govt., and will of anything to satisfy is awful EGO.
He is a spoiled child! SO CNN I expect you to report the TRUTH and don't let this bully close you down!
We are NOT in a COMMUNIST COUNTRY. This "so called" president is already getting our or my voter address, SSN, and how I voted. That is against the very principle of a free elections and how we vote. My question to you Mr. Zucker is how come NO one is reporting this news on CNN.
Trumpster hates when CNN tells the truth and has objective concepts which I appreciate. You CNN are reporting obstruction and collusion of this president who has violated the Nepotism Laws, loves dictator like Putin, takes personal and financial advantages of our govt., and will of anything to satisfy is awful EGO.
He is a spoiled child! SO CNN I expect you to report the TRUTH and don't let this bully close you down!
Bunny, your concern is about 8 years too late. The only aspects of your voting that are a concern to President Trump are that
1) you vote, at most, once per election,
2) you are registered to vote in your precinct,
3) and you are a U.S. citizen.
1) you vote, at most, once per election,
2) you are registered to vote in your precinct,
3) and you are a U.S. citizen.
3
Jeff Zucker is partially to blame for creating the Trump monsterd and make no mistake, he loves this more than anything. Any time CNN arrives on the front page of the NYT's instead as a punch line in late night comedy is good for CNN. Let's face it, they have not actually practiced journalism since the first Gulf War. The endless panel of talking heads discussing the "news" is just opinion not journalism. Remember they went live with an empty mic in Trumpland, when other politicians were speaking. Cuomo assessment about going to Thunderdome every day is apt, watching CNN is like watching wrestling. Some of it may be real, but it's hard to tell which parts are real.
4
CNN's useful life has expired...RIP. Someone please inform jeff and then turn out the lights.
9
It was Zucker's call to cover Trump rallies 24/7 from the beginning because Trump was obnoxious and guaranteed 'ratings.' He gave Trump millions in free publicity before a single primary vote was cast. No other candidate got such treatment. Trump was smart enough to know from his reality tv days that being unpredictable, confrontational and outrageous was a winning ticket with cable news. MSNBC & CNN did as much to elect Trump as any other entities. Not to mention wallpapering their shows with disreputable Trump mouthpieces like bully Corey Lewandowski and nutjob Katrina Pearson. Remember when Joe & Mika & Chris Matthews couldn't get enough of 'exciting' Donald? Joe never let an hour go by without bringing up Hillary's emails.
Jeff Zucker = anything for ratings!
Jeff Zucker = anything for ratings!
11
CNN loved Trump when he was trashing other republicans and never going to win. Once he became the nominee, they treated him just like every other republican, which is guilty until proven innocent.
2
Discovers the identity of the redditor in 24 hours by some low-level former Buzzfead liberal reporter, but in 6 months with many of CNN's "best" can't find a single stitch of anything about Russia. And I'm not even a fan of Trump. Chew on that for a moment and then you can all go back to mudslinging...
8
“He’s trying to bully us, and we’re not going to let him intimidate us. You can’t lose your confidence and let that change the way you conduct yourselves.”
... Jeffrey A. Zucker
This is a self-serving interpretation of the events. The POTUS is doing CNN a service for which CNN ought to financially compensate him. He is doing the job that should be done at CNN BEFORE news get aired. Where before CNN could say 'whatever they wanted' true or not, misrepresenting facts or not, etc. without worrying about the consequences of their mediocrity, i.e. CNN had freedom to lie at will and use their bully pulpit to intimidate political enemies of their subjective ideology, now Trump is using the same tactics against CNN to EDUCATE THEM. Any improvements in the quality of CNN is squarely due to the good will of this president (as opposed to Bush who didn't care what CNN or Obama would misinform about him.)
... Jeffrey A. Zucker
This is a self-serving interpretation of the events. The POTUS is doing CNN a service for which CNN ought to financially compensate him. He is doing the job that should be done at CNN BEFORE news get aired. Where before CNN could say 'whatever they wanted' true or not, misrepresenting facts or not, etc. without worrying about the consequences of their mediocrity, i.e. CNN had freedom to lie at will and use their bully pulpit to intimidate political enemies of their subjective ideology, now Trump is using the same tactics against CNN to EDUCATE THEM. Any improvements in the quality of CNN is squarely due to the good will of this president (as opposed to Bush who didn't care what CNN or Obama would misinform about him.)
2
CNN colluded with Hillary Clinton but yet no story? This is why neither CNN or NY Times can ever be taken seriously!
3
My main gripe with CNN is their font size. P Not only is it too big, but it seems to emphasis their real issue: believability. The same is true of their discussion panels, just keeps getting bigger and bigger. C'mon man, one for, one pro, or even better just tell us what you think Wolf. Why do we need CNN to prove day in and day out how accommodating of different viewpoints they are. I mean really, cut it out guys. Stick to news, don't keep telling us how great a place you're making the world. One Kristof is enough, thank you very much.
Then, there's the immensely boring Mr. Zakaria, getting serious competition from Ohio has-been Kasich these days, and the always screaming for attention Clooney lookalike Costa. Quit already guys, we can't stand you.
Thank goodness no more live press conferences. Who needs the build-up, the picture-in-picture shots of burly guys adjusting mics, self-important reporters scrolling their smart thingammies, the big panel waiting to pounce without thought on anything and everything seconds after it's over. Not the viewer, not the WH. Yea, audio conference it, and post on website. Kudos to the WH for a really brave move, trust me, it's progress even if accidental/unintended.
It's a really long list of gripes. Watching CNN is a very weary task these days. Absolutely Mr. Zucker needs to go, this stuff is happening under his watch and it just keeps getting worse. Mr. Baquet needs to go too, but let's take that up another time. Bah.
Then, there's the immensely boring Mr. Zakaria, getting serious competition from Ohio has-been Kasich these days, and the always screaming for attention Clooney lookalike Costa. Quit already guys, we can't stand you.
Thank goodness no more live press conferences. Who needs the build-up, the picture-in-picture shots of burly guys adjusting mics, self-important reporters scrolling their smart thingammies, the big panel waiting to pounce without thought on anything and everything seconds after it's over. Not the viewer, not the WH. Yea, audio conference it, and post on website. Kudos to the WH for a really brave move, trust me, it's progress even if accidental/unintended.
It's a really long list of gripes. Watching CNN is a very weary task these days. Absolutely Mr. Zucker needs to go, this stuff is happening under his watch and it just keeps getting worse. Mr. Baquet needs to go too, but let's take that up another time. Bah.
2
93% negative coverage cannot be erased by any spin! Nice try Zucker
and Left wing Trump haters ignoring the facts.
CNN has made conscious decision to be DNC activist anti-Trump arm & it's disgraceful by any & all measures.
USA has journalistic ethics rules & traditions. JUST TRY to recall them
use them & at least attempt an honest effort to be fair.
and Left wing Trump haters ignoring the facts.
CNN has made conscious decision to be DNC activist anti-Trump arm & it's disgraceful by any & all measures.
USA has journalistic ethics rules & traditions. JUST TRY to recall them
use them & at least attempt an honest effort to be fair.
7
I doubt most "reporters" at CNN could even codify a short list of journalistic ethics.
In their own way, though... that's how they want it. The hosts and anchors at ALL the broadcast and cable media outlets are "personalities" not journalists. They don't even refer to themselves as journalists anymore... because if they do it leaves them too open to trolling and ridicule.
In their own way, though... that's how they want it. The hosts and anchors at ALL the broadcast and cable media outlets are "personalities" not journalists. They don't even refer to themselves as journalists anymore... because if they do it leaves them too open to trolling and ridicule.
5
Trump does not play by the conventional rules. In this 24/7 leftist MSM crusade Trump seems to be outplaying the "journalist's" that are conceding their need to obfuscate facts and truth in order to restore their vision of our country. Too bad these people are unwilling to accept the results of the election.
Trump is the Great Communicator who exploits social media and does not concern himself with the cultural norms that left Republicans always on defense. Being Presidential is all about leadership; this is the new way skin a cat. Deal with it Democrats because after all of the negative and violent things thrown at Trump, a goofy wrestling video left all of you unhinged. Just like the Great Communicator wanted.
Trump is the Great Communicator who exploits social media and does not concern himself with the cultural norms that left Republicans always on defense. Being Presidential is all about leadership; this is the new way skin a cat. Deal with it Democrats because after all of the negative and violent things thrown at Trump, a goofy wrestling video left all of you unhinged. Just like the Great Communicator wanted.
5
Many American presidents have hated the coverage they received in the news media but very few have publicly denounced coverage in general or, especially, gone after specific news organizations with negative comments. These kinds of conflicts have generally been handled in private and, yes, there often were threats against the financial interests of news organizations, especially when, in the case of newspapers, they ventured into the realm of owning television stations which receive their licenses from the FCC.
Trump's attacks on CNN directly are entirely unprecedented. They are, indeed, the sort of attacks that might precede actions by a dictator or military dictatorship, which, in those cases, are followed by tanks surrounding a news outlet and shutting it down, if other means weren't available. This is real, this is no game and the potentials should concern every citizen.
Here, too, a warning for the right and far right in America and those who gleefully celebrate Trump putting down big media like CNN: America's news organizations, especially the largest with the biggest budgets and the most reporters, could stand between Trump and disaster. Free reporting in a free society could save us. So, have your fun day, cheer when you see CNN or the NY Times being "put in their place" but understand clearly that all of America, including the right wing, needs these news outlets to be free and strong and, at a critical moment that might lie ahead, brave as well.
Trump's attacks on CNN directly are entirely unprecedented. They are, indeed, the sort of attacks that might precede actions by a dictator or military dictatorship, which, in those cases, are followed by tanks surrounding a news outlet and shutting it down, if other means weren't available. This is real, this is no game and the potentials should concern every citizen.
Here, too, a warning for the right and far right in America and those who gleefully celebrate Trump putting down big media like CNN: America's news organizations, especially the largest with the biggest budgets and the most reporters, could stand between Trump and disaster. Free reporting in a free society could save us. So, have your fun day, cheer when you see CNN or the NY Times being "put in their place" but understand clearly that all of America, including the right wing, needs these news outlets to be free and strong and, at a critical moment that might lie ahead, brave as well.
2
Trump's attacks on CNN directly are entirely unprecedented......and so is the media coverage against him.......try to be honest
5
Well, Zucker, you created him. You should know better than anyone. He eventually gets around to devouring the people who love him most.
14
The plain fact is Trump could make CNN, Morning Joe, Mueller, and everything else disappear by being transparent about his campaign's operations and finances, cooperating instead of obstructing, disclosing instead of dissembling, working in good faith instead of stone walling and firing honest professionals like Comey, Yates, Bharara. Assuming everything is as above board at he says it is, such an approach could eventually sink his enemies' ratings - why not try it?
If he's innocent, he's insane.
If he's innocent, he's insane.
15
Trump is not the leader of the free world - he ceded that roll to Merkel and Macron. Instead, he is the leader of the nihilists of America and the Republican party. There is a difference.
If this failing president learned how to read instead of watch TV, the fight would be between him and the successful NYT rather than the successful CNN - both truth tellers and the enemy of the con artist.
Make no mistake, had CNN or anyone else posted a video showing Trump being body slammed, the secret service would be all over them. I am not worried about CNN or the NYT - they have survived war zones to bring us the real stories for which they take full responsibility for. When has Trump ever corrected the record or admitted responsibility and accountability?
If this failing president learned how to read instead of watch TV, the fight would be between him and the successful NYT rather than the successful CNN - both truth tellers and the enemy of the con artist.
Make no mistake, had CNN or anyone else posted a video showing Trump being body slammed, the secret service would be all over them. I am not worried about CNN or the NYT - they have survived war zones to bring us the real stories for which they take full responsibility for. When has Trump ever corrected the record or admitted responsibility and accountability?
A leader needs the power to enforce his role as leader if necessary. What power does Merkel and Macron have other than Liberal media support and talk.
5
A leader is the one with good ideas, not mere money or power. I do not follow, nor will I ever follow a Trump. He is an anti-leader and the definition of a bully - not a leader.
I could also add Justin Trudeau to Merkel and Macron to complete the "axis of leadership" in the today's world.
I could also add Justin Trudeau to Merkel and Macron to complete the "axis of leadership" in the today's world.
1
It's disturbing to observe the outcome of systemic propagandizement among the nation's liberals. Truly scary.
3
The MSM news cartel is rigged, tainted, and hasn't been credible for a long time. The death spiral was backing Clinton . Yes, they have a hardcore base, minuscule in numbers .
11
Doesn't every citizen have the right to press freedom?
If we dare criticize CNN on the Internet, should we expect to be investigated and cajoled into an apology, lest we be intimidated by being outed to the community at large?
This is a frightening misuse of corporate power.
If we dare criticize CNN on the Internet, should we expect to be investigated and cajoled into an apology, lest we be intimidated by being outed to the community at large?
This is a frightening misuse of corporate power.
12
Just for perspective, note that Jay House is writing from Singapore, where the media is controlled by the government and chewing gum is prohibited by law.
3
Unfortunately, freedom of the press doesn't TRUMP freedom of speech.
1
"Unfortunately, freedom of the press doesn't TRUMP freedom of speech."
What on earth does that mean?
What on earth does that mean?
This is inherently the problem with the so-called resistance.
Here is a piece describing the dynamics of late at CNN and yet the majority of takeaways in the comment board from NYT's ardent readers are to decide whether Trump is the "leader of the free world" or not.
Keep whining, children. While you're lost in the weeds, Trump and the Republicans will continue their takeover of the US government.
Here is a piece describing the dynamics of late at CNN and yet the majority of takeaways in the comment board from NYT's ardent readers are to decide whether Trump is the "leader of the free world" or not.
Keep whining, children. While you're lost in the weeds, Trump and the Republicans will continue their takeover of the US government.
13
And yet, Chris, here you are whining. Would you call those that fought Hitler whiners?
1
I fully support CNN because: “It appears to me that more and more people are beginning to realize that a philosophically-limited, intellectually-deprived, power-driven, egotistically-handicapped, theatrically-compassionate, subtly-vindictive, non-drinking, and his non-recovering brain usage, that Trump is the least fit and most dangerous person we could possibly imagine to have as the president of the United States.”
2
he can be the least fit (and he probably is), and it can still be the case that CNN's approach is a bad one.
2
What i am worried about is the arrogance and unchecked dominance of the media in driving the news narrative, a lot of which is driven by an agenda rather than to inform and debate. The subject of stories that CNN covers, in this mostly Trump and his government, have absolutely every right to criticize and counter everything that CNN reports on. Who else is going to check the media?
25
I voted for Hillary and I was a CNN fan, but CNN stopped reporting news and instead has become a nonstop soapbox for getting rid of Trump. I actually did notice that when other networks were reporting the latest developments in the disasters in London, CNN devoted itself to denouncing Trump for his latest tweet or other ill conceived statement. We get it. He is a most imperfect vessel, but we do not need to be preached to nonstop by CNN. And, now it is even worse. What they report as news, is not even true CNN was forced to admit as it let 3 people go. Mr. Zucker seems to be behind this abandonment of traditional journalism. He really should go and CNN should return to its roots.
25
Now they're focused on harassing American teenagers, in ways that would - if you or I had done it - would have us investigated for and probably charged with a felony.
2
President Trump needs to stop his attacks on the news media. His attacks are the actions of a coward and a bully. Even more important, he appears to be spending most of his time watching television news. He might want to spend a few hours reading the various versions of the GOP health care bill. If he did read the bills, he might be able to articulate why he wants one of them passed. At the moment, he appears to want anything passed as long as it doesn't have the name Obama associated with it.
Hitler and Goebbels did it in Germany in the 30's - thankfully the population of Germany finally won with much support in the end (but with many horrific sentences of deaths by the two of them).
1
Is it not true that the video, allegedly, showing Donald J. Trump wrestling with an individual whose face is covered with a CNN, was taken from about 20 years ago when he did what is depicted as a charitable event with WWE?
5
"...It is rare that a single news organization attracts the level of ire mustered by President Trump...
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/12/business/media/12fox.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/12/business/media/12fox.html
1
I guessing you've never heard of Fox News then.
Huhhh???
From the link...
"...the Obama administration has narrowed its sights to one specific organization, the Fox News Channel, calling it, in essence, part of the political opposition...
From the link...
"...the Obama administration has narrowed its sights to one specific organization, the Fox News Channel, calling it, in essence, part of the political opposition...
2
Don't lie down.
Don't chase the chaff he throws out every day. Focus on the Russia story, on legislation (or lack thereof), on the fight for healthcare, etc.
The unfortunate thing is that CNN gave him months of free publicity, which is shameful, but we need them now along with every other news source.
Don't chase the chaff he throws out every day. Focus on the Russia story, on legislation (or lack thereof), on the fight for healthcare, etc.
The unfortunate thing is that CNN gave him months of free publicity, which is shameful, but we need them now along with every other news source.
1
Russia was a scam from day one. It was a made-up story of lies and distortion that sprung from Trump saying no one knows where Hillary's 33,000 emails are that she bleached out of her server. I am with him, I hope the Russians do have them and will eventually release them. Of course that will never happen because Seth Rich had them and he was killed as a result of it by the Clinton Cartel.
3
"Focus on the Russia story"......yeah...you keep doing that because it is going so well......it takes all kinds to make the world go round I have been told......that proves it.
3
Jeff should be ashamed of his network for all the non objective reporting and racism his network creates.
10
CNN long ceased being a serious news organization. I would say Ted Turner was rolling in his grave if he could see what CNN has turned into (garbage), but Mr. Turner is alive. Which reminds me, shouldn't CNN get back to its Malaysian plane crash coverage?
15
That doesn't mean Ted isn't rolling in his grave. Ted is a strange man with many varied hobbies and kinks.
2
Leader of the free world? What's Angela Merkel have to do with this?
1
Here's a point I haven't seen made yet. This is not about ideology or bias. CNN is neither entirely anti-Trump (how could it be, when it put Lord and Lewandowski on the payroll?) nor pro-Trump. The network is pro-conflict, pro-drama. That's what Zucker believes drives ratings, as he acknowledged in the lengthy NYT profile of him a couple months ago. There's no substantive investigation of policy and how it will affect real people. It's all about the shouting matches. He's ignored the lesson Jon Stewart gave in 2004 when he shamed CNN into canceling "Crossfire." Now, CNN is all-Crossfire-all-the-time. It's become pro-wrestling, right down to the sign in Zucker's office. The Redditor who slapped a CNN logo over WWE chief Vince McMahon's head may be more right than he knew, as Zucker has become the Vince McMahon of news.
11
"White House advisers have discussed a potential point of leverage over their adversary, a senior administration official said: a pending merger between CNN’s parent company, Time Warner, and AT&T. Mr. Trump’s Justice Department will decide whether to approve the merger, "
That's legal? It's legal for the White House to refuse a merger because of personal animosity?
That's legal? It's legal for the White House to refuse a merger because of personal animosity?
2
@Horatio
That's speculation. Don't kid yourself, the WH doesn't need to go after self-destructs.
That's speculation. Don't kid yourself, the WH doesn't need to go after self-destructs.
1
Absolutely! This incident proves why. CNN used their massive and unchecked power as a media juggernaut to go after and silence a non public private citizen for having the temerity to post a piece of satire about CNN. There was no public interest in what CNN did to the Reditor. It was pure and petty vengeance. What Public interest is served in giving those same people expanded power and giving them direct unfiltered access to most of the nations private communications via AT&T? In one fell swoop of petty spite directed at an anonymous nobody on the internet CNN probably just killed the AT&T Time Warner deal, and made it impossible to question or challenge the Federal Regulators when they kill it. Kacsynski must be feeling so proud today.
1
Trump IS a self-destruct.
CCN and the mass "liberal" media, arguably the most powerful propaganda force and accumulation of wealth and power in the history of humanity, playing the part of the whining victim is yet another insult to the majority of Americans' intelligence! When NPR can do a survey (probably rigged) and then blast into everyone's consciousness that "the majority think Trump did something illegal with Russia" when no conclusive proof has been offered in months of media "coverage" then we know that the major modern media are the most powerful, oppressive and dangerous entity in the modern world. And Trump is like a David against a Goliath in his fighting against them. And of course the fact that Trump occasionally wins really, really infuriates the, think they are like Gods hovering over the rest of us animals, super egoistic media moguls so they and their compatriots indulge in self pitying 'poor me' nonsense like this article.
19
"when no conclusive proof has been offered in months of media "coverage"
It's funny that you require "conclusive proof" for Trump, but for Hillary or Obama, wild speculation was enough.
The FBI certainly seems to think there's cause for investigation.
Trump campaign chairman is now KNOWN to have been a foreign agent.
His National Security Advisor was being paid by a foreign country at the same time he was acting as America's National Security Advisor.
Trump's Attorney General met with Russian principles during the campaign and lied about it under oath.
His son-in-law is a person of interest in an FBI investigation.
His Secretary of State was officially named a Friend of Russia.
Trump himself has REFUSED to acknowledge ANY wrongdoing by Russia, despite the unanimous belief of our intelligence agencies. and will offer no criticism of Vladimir Putin for breaching our National Security.
I guess you think it isn't Trump - it's just everyone AROUND him.
I tell you one thing: if my boss kept hiring people with mob ties, after a while I'd wonder about my boss.
But you just have unshakeable faith in an obvious con man, don't you?
It's funny that you require "conclusive proof" for Trump, but for Hillary or Obama, wild speculation was enough.
The FBI certainly seems to think there's cause for investigation.
Trump campaign chairman is now KNOWN to have been a foreign agent.
His National Security Advisor was being paid by a foreign country at the same time he was acting as America's National Security Advisor.
Trump's Attorney General met with Russian principles during the campaign and lied about it under oath.
His son-in-law is a person of interest in an FBI investigation.
His Secretary of State was officially named a Friend of Russia.
Trump himself has REFUSED to acknowledge ANY wrongdoing by Russia, despite the unanimous belief of our intelligence agencies. and will offer no criticism of Vladimir Putin for breaching our National Security.
I guess you think it isn't Trump - it's just everyone AROUND him.
I tell you one thing: if my boss kept hiring people with mob ties, after a while I'd wonder about my boss.
But you just have unshakeable faith in an obvious con man, don't you?
4
Trump, the most powerful person on the planet, as David. I think you are mixing up your action figures, Donald.
Or, to put it another way, we look the other way with Hillary Clinton and the way the MSM media were suplicants during her campaign and how the AG bent and twisted the law and words to get and keep her off the hook as long as possible - remember Comey's use of the preferred and benign word "matter" - because we like her and she's sorta like one of us and ... gollygeewillikers ....!
But! We'll damn the President solely on anonymously-sourced rumor and innuendo, with zero evidence to back it up just because it conveniently buttresses our personal feelings of how we just really don't like him.
But! We'll damn the President solely on anonymously-sourced rumor and innuendo, with zero evidence to back it up just because it conveniently buttresses our personal feelings of how we just really don't like him.
1
CNN needs to do more stories on what Trump's so-called policies are doing, or may do, to America,
and less on Trump's outrageous behavior. Spend 5 minutes or less per hour on his behavior, and the rest of the time showing how Pruitt has turned the
EPA into the EDA - Environmental Destruction Agency; or Devos' failure to protect students from
Vulturous for profit "universities." Interview people in every state - and from both parties- about healthcare options. CNN needs more news coverage about America, and only the necessary coverage of Trump's low rent character.
and less on Trump's outrageous behavior. Spend 5 minutes or less per hour on his behavior, and the rest of the time showing how Pruitt has turned the
EPA into the EDA - Environmental Destruction Agency; or Devos' failure to protect students from
Vulturous for profit "universities." Interview people in every state - and from both parties- about healthcare options. CNN needs more news coverage about America, and only the necessary coverage of Trump's low rent character.
4
I'm so happy CNN and other news outlets have finally roused from their collective stupor to fight this mortal threat to the Fourth Estate. But it wouldn't have been in this position in the first place if it was doing its job as agressively against Trump during the election. I turned on CNN countless times back then and it was constantly Hillary's emails but isn't Trump's success amazing!
22
While I admit that CNN has not gotten the best treatment from the white house, I find it incredibly hypocritical that they are condeming bullying after what they did to the maker of the CNN wrestling GIF. it was a harmless joke (orders of magnitide less than what some of the editors have let slip by recently), and I have little respect for a news organization that goes after an individual that aggresivly for such a trivial thing. At least when CNN does battle with the White House, its a fight beyween media giants. To fight an indvidual who made a harmless file on the internet, hovever, is not only wrong, it's supers sing free speech, and giving the right the tools it needs to continue discrediting legitimate media.
15
" I find it incredibly hypocritical that they are condeming bullying after what they did to the maker of the CNN wrestling GIF. "
They didn't do anything, that's one of those wild accusations spread by the right-wing.
And that "harmless" guy (no kid, he's in his 30s) published a meme that listed all the Jews at CNN with a Star of David next to their picture.
They didn't do anything, that's one of those wild accusations spread by the right-wing.
And that "harmless" guy (no kid, he's in his 30s) published a meme that listed all the Jews at CNN with a Star of David next to their picture.
1
Yep, sure you're right...This "harmless" contributor has posted vile racist, Islamophobic, & anti semetic comments online. Hate speech needs calling out where-ever it occurs. Whether it be peddled by an internet troll, or Trump himself.
1
The President is hardly bullying CNN - CNN has a 24 hour a day pulpit preaching to its masses. CNN needs to pull itself together and report the truth and only the truth. To be a respected news outlet requires painstaking fact checking by reporters and editors alike. CNN seems to routinely air anything that fits their narrative and it has come back to bite them. Zucker seems a bit like a whiny child who got caught doing something wrong and then wants to complain that the person that exposed their wrong-doing is being mean to them. Utterly ridiculous.
13
"The President is hardly bullying CNN "
I would say stirring up a mob to threats of physical violence is bullying.
I would say stirring up a mob to threats of physical violence is bullying.
1
Bullying is the act of using your superior strength to intimidate or influence another to do as you wish them to do typically by use of physical force. Doesn't really fit the facts here. CNN has the air 24/7 all across the world and can say and do as it likes - the fact is CNN has been hoisted by its own petard thanks to its carelessness - CNN's troubles are rooted in a failure to follow the basic tenets of reporting not the behavior or actions of Trump.
1
My point being that to be a bully someone has to be in a position of considerably less power or strength and CNN as Trump's opponent... seems like this would be a fair fight or perhaps the network would be cast as the bully
.
.
1
Trump is a clown, but Zucker is an equal joke in the media world.
I have 35 years in TV news, and from that perspective see Zucker as one of the major "dumb it down" ratings and revenue chasing kings of all time in television.
Zucker took an American institution like The Today Show and gutted its credibility, turning it from an insightful network news and conversation program with depth and context into a celebrity filled cooking and infotainment show.
Zucker has done the same to CNN. For every credible news moment, there is another that is nonsense chasing eyeballs.
He throws everything and anything against the tube to see if it sticks. Hires the latest loudmouth who might get attention, from Corey Lewandowski to Jeffrey Lord.
Zucker is the electronic Trump. A hustler who likes to fight, loves drama, and never saw a standard he wouldn't compromise chasing a buck.
He helped make Trump a media star on The Apprentice and on CNN. Now these two are in a catfight appropriate for their high school psychologies.
I have 35 years in TV news, and from that perspective see Zucker as one of the major "dumb it down" ratings and revenue chasing kings of all time in television.
Zucker took an American institution like The Today Show and gutted its credibility, turning it from an insightful network news and conversation program with depth and context into a celebrity filled cooking and infotainment show.
Zucker has done the same to CNN. For every credible news moment, there is another that is nonsense chasing eyeballs.
He throws everything and anything against the tube to see if it sticks. Hires the latest loudmouth who might get attention, from Corey Lewandowski to Jeffrey Lord.
Zucker is the electronic Trump. A hustler who likes to fight, loves drama, and never saw a standard he wouldn't compromise chasing a buck.
He helped make Trump a media star on The Apprentice and on CNN. Now these two are in a catfight appropriate for their high school psychologies.
23
Zucker needs to go.
Zucker is running to the New York Times for cover after his organization's chilling shakedown of a Reddit user. The Left should give CNN no cover. CNN doesn't deserve it. CNN has sold every bad war, criticized none, and their afternoon programming tried to sell a war with Iran, unsuccessfully, for the last ten years.
Just because they're now in a war with Trump doesn't make them your friend, just like it doesn't make uber conservatives BretStevens and DavidBrooks your friends.
CNN is toxic.
Zucker is running to the New York Times for cover after his organization's chilling shakedown of a Reddit user. The Left should give CNN no cover. CNN doesn't deserve it. CNN has sold every bad war, criticized none, and their afternoon programming tried to sell a war with Iran, unsuccessfully, for the last ten years.
Just because they're now in a war with Trump doesn't make them your friend, just like it doesn't make uber conservatives BretStevens and DavidBrooks your friends.
CNN is toxic.
10
It should come as no surprise to anyone who has followed the career of Donald Trump that bullying is the primary business model. He's not likely to change it now.
Has anyone, anywhere, bothered to point out to Mr. Trump that not all criticism is "unfair?" It galls the heck out of me to hear the Trumpite talking heads going on and on about how anyone could dare to gainsay their Dear Leader. I don't remember supporters of recent previous administrations getting so worked up about being called out on bad decisions.
Don't back down, CNN. We can't let the virulent on any side of the spectrum try to extinguish voices of reason.
And, by the way, when is Mr. Trump going to one of these Town Hall meetings? Does he have the nerve to face the harsh criticisms that are being leveled at his Republican fellows? If he ever did what they are doing, he might go up a fraction of a point in my estimation. But let's not hold our collective breath on that one.
Has anyone, anywhere, bothered to point out to Mr. Trump that not all criticism is "unfair?" It galls the heck out of me to hear the Trumpite talking heads going on and on about how anyone could dare to gainsay their Dear Leader. I don't remember supporters of recent previous administrations getting so worked up about being called out on bad decisions.
Don't back down, CNN. We can't let the virulent on any side of the spectrum try to extinguish voices of reason.
And, by the way, when is Mr. Trump going to one of these Town Hall meetings? Does he have the nerve to face the harsh criticisms that are being leveled at his Republican fellows? If he ever did what they are doing, he might go up a fraction of a point in my estimation. But let's not hold our collective breath on that one.
1
Trump seems committed to advice given to him by one-time legal advisor,
Roy Cohen (ala. Senator Joe McCarthy), "whether good news or bad news,
keep your name in the headlines".
Roy Cohen (ala. Senator Joe McCarthy), "whether good news or bad news,
keep your name in the headlines".
Trump does plenty that is legitimately awful. Just report that.
Don't make it look like you're so desperate to say terrible things about him that you rush stories that trun out to be untrue--and give Trump fuel.
The video of Trump wrestling CNN was about as meaningful as a cartoon character with a box of Acme dynamite.
Don't make it look like you're so desperate to say terrible things about him that you rush stories that trun out to be untrue--and give Trump fuel.
The video of Trump wrestling CNN was about as meaningful as a cartoon character with a box of Acme dynamite.
6
CNN's endless political partisan adversarial position means that many millions will never listen to them, whether they have something valuable to report or not. They pioneered the creation of, and now they they pioneering the destruction of the concept of "cable news." As a reminder, the idea behind cable news was simply to provide a continuing update on news stories throughout the day (not 24x7x365 political partisan opinions shaped as "news.") But when CNN changed that reporting from a continuing update of news stories to a continuing update based on a political activist adversarial role - that changes the nature and need for CNN. It becomes a great "divider." The impact of this continuing destruction of cable news will continue to drive people to listen to voices that could inform on diverse subjects, to only find more "trusted" news sources, mostly based on social media now. CNN is retaining a core audience of those who already agree with them, but how does that help them actually report "the news" to a diverse audience? It doesn't. CNN has become a 24x7x365 partisan echo chamber. That does not help to inform the American public.
33
Wow. I find CNN to be the most evenhanded of the top three cable news networks! You should be directing your criticism to Fox News. I try and try to watch Fox but the prime time shows are just over the top with partisanship and very little news. At least both MSNBC and CNN try to report and explain what is going on. CNN does not deserve the hysterical response from the right.
6
That you would find CNN the most "evenhanded" says something about how bad the other 2 top cable news networks are. If Fox is 90/10 conservative to liberal and MSNBC is 90/10 liberal to conservative, and CNN is 89/11 liberal to conservative, it is still more evenhanded then the other two but a long way from actually being even handed.
2
CNN and other news organizations need only report accurately what the Loud One does and says every day. Strive for accuracy. Facilitate his drive toward self-destruction.
9
I guess I missed something in your comment. Isn't that what they supposedly are doing? Funny how all the leftwing news outlet headlines are about CNN threatening someone for posting an image on Twitter instead of reporting on the G20 summit or North Korea, or oil prices, or inner city crime, or or or anything that is actually newsworthy.
2
Personally, I find CNN's naked hostility towards the President highly unprofessional and distasteful. There is no effort made to cover the president objectively and every effort to engage in petty and hostile behavior.
While the NYT may dismiss the hidden camera videos of CNN employees many people saw them as a validation of a perception of a very real bias.
On election night 2016 Dana Bash looked visibly depressed at the outcome of the election and remarked at the time how unprofessional it was but things have only gotten worse since then.
While the NYT may dismiss the hidden camera videos of CNN employees many people saw them as a validation of a perception of a very real bias.
On election night 2016 Dana Bash looked visibly depressed at the outcome of the election and remarked at the time how unprofessional it was but things have only gotten worse since then.
28
Trump creates hostility where-ever he goes. This has more to do with the loathsome nature of the man than with those who cover him. He is the classic demagogue who built a following spewing forth racist hate speech. Like all would be tyrants, he attacks those who carry out their constitutional duty to hold him to account. Not so different to his great buddy Putin.
1
I truly believe that as soon as Trump became elected, CNN issued a mandate to all their employees to destroy him with their media influence. All I see on the network, no matter what time I turn it on, is non-stop anti-Trump stories - many of them stretching to "make a story" out of either very unimportant events or pure conjecture.
That not only makes it completely impossible to take the network seriously, but it's also very obstructionist. Let's remember that CNN is not just being "anti-Trump," they are now also being "anti-President," and their highly biased view of the president, his administration, and any effort he makes to create policy for America is crystal clear.
Free press is a highly regarded American value, but journalists also have an ethical responsibility to avoid bias in their reporting - something CNN has completely eschewed in the wake of this election. CNN isn't losing this battle because of Trump, they're losing it because they placed their political agenda ahead of their ethical duties as a news organization - and got called out on it.
That not only makes it completely impossible to take the network seriously, but it's also very obstructionist. Let's remember that CNN is not just being "anti-Trump," they are now also being "anti-President," and their highly biased view of the president, his administration, and any effort he makes to create policy for America is crystal clear.
Free press is a highly regarded American value, but journalists also have an ethical responsibility to avoid bias in their reporting - something CNN has completely eschewed in the wake of this election. CNN isn't losing this battle because of Trump, they're losing it because they placed their political agenda ahead of their ethical duties as a news organization - and got called out on it.
2
I purposely flipped through channels to see the cable reactions. FoxNews was very surprised, but not mourning. (The only smiles that night were theirs.) MSNBC was stunned into dead silence. It looked like their lives had ended. At CNN they looked like they were having a terrible time accepting how wrong they'd been. They were exposed, and there was no place for them to hide.
Sometimes it feels as though this constant ranting against Trump is just one long attempt to prove that they weren't actually wrong after all.
Sometimes it feels as though this constant ranting against Trump is just one long attempt to prove that they weren't actually wrong after all.
2
Zucker labeling Trump nonsense as bullying is completely on-point. While he engages in this sport regularly, with the NYT and CNN he has finally picked targets with the size and presence to match his stature as Leader of the Free World. I am placing my bets on the journalists to prevail (and BTW, am new subscriber to both channels since Nov of 2016, so am happy to put my money behind them in a real sense).
4
What is it the "journalists" are supposed to prevail at? They are supposed to report news facts without bias. Your remark reveals the truth you know but won't admit to yourself; you know the left-wing news outlets are openly at war with our President and you are condoning their behavior. Be careful what you wish for. The gate swings both ways. Should CNN govern our country? They sure are trying and they seem to have a lot of willing followers.
4
Trump is NOT the leader of the free world. He has abrogated that position. Merkel or Macron are now the true leaders of the free world. Woe is us in the U.S.
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Along with that they should take on the role of the "World's Policeman" and spend their fortunes on the resources necessary to protect that free world and its freedoms. God knows we have done it for far too long so lets pass the baton to Germany and France two counties that certainly know a lot of what peace is all about.
3
Be careful what you wish for. Asking for germany as the World policeman should remind us all what happened when they assumed the mantle of world leaders back in the two world wars!
2
Yeah, the French are already having buyers remorse with Macron. Vive la Huh?
1
So when CNN screws up, people at the network get fired. Does that happen at Fox? Breitbart? Anyone? Anyone?
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Yes, Bill O'Reilly and Jamie Horowitz were recently fired from Fox.
4
Who still believes that the USA is still the leader of the free world? I don't because a leader leads and all we have been doing January is destroying some relationships, in Europe, and keeping some it shouldn't, like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to name two. Furthermore we are killing many more people because we try to manipulate even the smallest crisis and leave chaos behind.
14
You don't have to be a scholar to see how transparent CNN's agenda against Trump is. There is a war coming in Asia. Let us pull together. It will be ugly and horrible. Some semblance of unity is the only thing that will save us from a catastrophe.
12
"There is a war coming in Asia. Let us pull together. "
Yes, let us pull together by demanding a competent Commander-In-Chief instead a clown who knows NOTHING about world affairs, and has no interest in learning.
Yes, let us pull together by demanding a competent Commander-In-Chief instead a clown who knows NOTHING about world affairs, and has no interest in learning.
1
By playing to their base with half truths and questionable sources they gave up their integrity. Half the nation view them as something other than a news source, perhaps a tool for oposition of a President we elected.All the outlets put their own spin on things and it's common knowledge that the "MSM" support the left, libs. Dems.
As the extremists on the left continue to drown reasonable voices out more will migrate to the right of their current position on the political line. When enough move what is considered mainstream can and likely will shift. What else can happen in the current environment of instant news?
As the extremists on the left continue to drown reasonable voices out more will migrate to the right of their current position on the political line. When enough move what is considered mainstream can and likely will shift. What else can happen in the current environment of instant news?
17
I'm very concerned about the lives of the employees of CNN. Just like the crackpot who believed in the Pizzagate enough to drive all the way to DC and open fire, I just hope all this nonsense instigations against a legitimate media company don't devolve into actual threats of harm to their employees.
While I definitely don't agree with all of CNN (especially Zucker), hats off to the brave employees of CNN. They are the ones keeping the flame of democracy alive. Without an independent media, we simply cannot have a democracy.
While I definitely don't agree with all of CNN (especially Zucker), hats off to the brave employees of CNN. They are the ones keeping the flame of democracy alive. Without an independent media, we simply cannot have a democracy.
15
This is one of our country's darkest hours. Trump is one of our worst Presidents. Terrible policies are put in place daily. CNN is playing a positive role in bringing out just terrible government actions and Trump behavior. Should be cheered.CNN only goal should be to strengthen the form and content of its broadcasts. Quality. Even better voices. Intimidation is not acceptable.
36
What a disaster. I'm so humiliated. I am busily making plans to get out of here and into Canada, but that's a long term strategy. Short term I'm just ashen with humiliation.
5
Canada won't take you. Literally. Neither will most other developed nations. Try it! I dare you. Unless you plan to claim asylum and even that probably wouldn't work since the US is still the best place to live on the planet.
4
Remember this? "Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country." Mean anything to you? Stick around and try to fix this mess.
What makes you think Canada wants you and your ashen humiliation? Canadians are busy with real refugees and don't have time foe people with the vapors.
What makes you think Canada wants you and your ashen humiliation? Canadians are busy with real refugees and don't have time foe people with the vapors.
1
Bye. I hope you're healthy.
1
Hold fast, Mr. Zucker. These are dark times for mainstream journalism--in which an Orwellian campaign of anti-truth propaganda combined with an online onslaught of bullies and trolls threaten to overwhelm the Fourth Estate that we have begun to take far too much for granted. Stay above the fray. Continue to speak truth to power. Don't let this crude, narcissistic bully who occupies the White House change the standards of empirical reality.
16
Interesting! Jeffrey Zucker claims "the president had zeroed in on his network [because] he knows our viewers can be swayed because they’re not watching Fox or MSNBC” — networks with an ideological bent in prime time. The days when CNN could claim to be straight news (if such days ever existed) are long gone. CNN has a clear left wing bias, particularly in prime time. Anyone care to guess who Don Lemon, Chris Cuomo and Anderson Cooper supported in the last election? They are only a tiny notch less goofy than Rachel Maddow and Chris Matthews on MSNBC (actually, Don Lemon is just as goofy!). If they are the "mainstream" news channel, then there is no such thing anymore. MSNBC and CNN are the 21st Century versions of the Joseph Pulitzer's New York World competing with Hearst's New York Journal to see who can spread more salacious muck in support of a progressive agenda (and make a lot of money in the process). Yellow journalism is alive and well in 2017!
12
I do find it amusing when American's on the political right talk about "left wing" bias. The US is hardly known for being a hot bed of centre left progressivism. Anything that's not to the right of Genghis Khan is pinko commie liberal to those on the US right.
1
Retweeting another person's post is not the same as "posting" it oneself. You are attempting to make it appear that Trump created that CNN wrestling video clip, and he did not. Does the media ever get tired of being disingenuous? Or lying?
11
Sorry, John. That's not how it went down.
When you retweet someone else's tweet on Twitter, the entire original tweet (which, of course, includes the twitter handle of the original poster) is encapsulated in the retweet.
Trump's tweet was *not* a retweet of the original tweet that contained the video. Instead, Trump downloaded the GIF movie from the original tweet and posted a new tweet with the movie as the new tweet's graphical add-on. He did so without attribution, which is classless but in keeping with his modus operandi.
When you retweet someone else's tweet on Twitter, the entire original tweet (which, of course, includes the twitter handle of the original poster) is encapsulated in the retweet.
Trump's tweet was *not* a retweet of the original tweet that contained the video. Instead, Trump downloaded the GIF movie from the original tweet and posted a new tweet with the movie as the new tweet's graphical add-on. He did so without attribution, which is classless but in keeping with his modus operandi.
1
Retweeting is ENDORSEMENT and SIGNAL BOOSTING.
Your reasoning and defense of a verified bully is like saying Christians didn't write the Bible so therefore can't be considered Christian.
Your reasoning and defense of a verified bully is like saying Christians didn't write the Bible so therefore can't be considered Christian.
2
When it comes to lying & being disingenuous we all know that Trump could fill several encyclopedias. It is a truly sad reflection on the state of political discourse in the US that for partisan reasons a man who is intellectually, tempermentally, & morally unfit for public office is defended by those who demean themselves by doing so. As for the video clip, Trump re-tweeted it. End of.
2
Keep up the good work, CNN, and don't give in to President Putinesca.
13
Is the communist propaganda a ,,good work'' for you?
1
CNN is the big leagues for Trump who can't get a hit let alone a win. They been in the game long before Trump and will be there long after he is but a scrap of history.
4
While the piece highlights some of CNN's most egregious fake news episodes, CNN publishes fake news daily, e.g. fake National Enquirer cover and Jim Acosta just claiming 17 agencies support the allegation of Russian tampering. The NYT just this weekend had to issue a retraction over same assertion.
CNN needs to do their jobs.
When real news happens, who is the public going to tune it. Real journalism or CNN?
CNN needs to do their jobs.
When real news happens, who is the public going to tune it. Real journalism or CNN?
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Stand firm, CNN and all other media that support the democratic form of governance that allowed you to be successful. Speak out or be gone to be replaced by the likes of fox so-called news, brietbart, limbaugh and all the other hate machine media owned by the International Mafia.
This idea of "free speech for the haters and shut down the rest" will NOT stand in America. Not now. Not Ever Again.
This idea of "free speech for the haters and shut down the rest" will NOT stand in America. Not now. Not Ever Again.
51
Hate is not a wise strategy for life or for politics. I wonder when the left will learn that lesson?
1
The reporter, Michael Grynbaum, calls Pres. Trump "the leader of the free world," a term that has been applied to US Presidents for decades, but I don't think Trump is the leader of the free world - he has abdicated that position, just as Vladimir Putin wanted and successfully brought about by his government's interference in our election on Trump's behalf.
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I believe that role of abdicating the position of leader of the free world feel to the prior administration who proudly proclaimed the would "lead from behind". As to Putin - I believe Mr. Obama was caught on an open mic to the prime minster of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, asking for more time so he could "be more flexible". I don't recall that getting a lot of air time at CNN. Or Mr. Obama letting Russia take the Crimea and assault the Ukraine with impunity and then offer the Ukrainian people MREs rather than tools to defend themselves. I think that "leader of the free world" moniker was disposed of by Mr. Obama years ago.
1
Weren't you the one who cheered when Obama resigned the USA from World Leadership? I thought we are singing Kumbaya around the globe now.
2
They called the president "the leader of the free world" in this article only to magnify CNN's importance. In articles where Pres. Trump is being talked about in isolation, they use rhetoric that minimizes his importance and influence instead.
Things like this exactly why people have an increasingly hard time taking seriously such overtly biased news organizations - like CNN - anymore.
Things like this exactly why people have an increasingly hard time taking seriously such overtly biased news organizations - like CNN - anymore.
1
funny to hear a bully of multiple decades complain about being bullied. CNN has been beating on every politician and personality they disapprove of. Digging into their past, publishing innuendo from unnamed "sources" and generally intimidating any who dare to step off the choosen path of rightiousness as defined by CNN. While those who do adhere to the faith - they go unquestioned. How is it the head of the IRS pleads the fifth and CNN doesn't dig into that? Or Fast and Furious where US weapons allowed to "walk" into mexican drug cartels ended up killing American border agents? No news there?
But a funny, silly, video meme gets a full on investigation. Then they threaten some dumb kid into apologizing for creating it.
Funny how bullies reacted to people pushing back. They cry foul - just like CNN is doing now.
But a funny, silly, video meme gets a full on investigation. Then they threaten some dumb kid into apologizing for creating it.
Funny how bullies reacted to people pushing back. They cry foul - just like CNN is doing now.
26
It's neither funny nor silly, just like Sarah Palin's doctored images of politicians in the crosshairs wasn't funny: it's flat-out dangerous. Inciting to violence, particularly when aided and abetted by the POTUS is indefensible
"The level of threats against CNN employees, he said, has spiked this year."
"The level of threats against CNN employees, he said, has spiked this year."
4
Of course it was not funny for CNN, because the kid put together pictures of the CNN bosses and screen personalities: 100% from the chosen race. They don't like the obvious statistics.
pile on. until he learns his lesson. i would like to see anderson get edgier with the rep. some times i turn him off and get more satisfaction from msnbc. can't stand not holding some of trumps talking heads to a standard that is so softball. keep punching,ok?
3
If CNN's boss' desk sign reads “Punch Today in the Face”, then the organization has no right to complain about "inciting violence against journalists" by the means of a video parody.
23
You do realize that 'today' isn't a person, right? You must. So why make this comment? I'd love to read your honest answer.
That's a stretch.
How does a sign in an executive's office incite violence?
This man is little-known by the general public, and it's not like the sentiment on this sign is their network's tagline.
How does a sign in an executive's office incite violence?
This man is little-known by the general public, and it's not like the sentiment on this sign is their network's tagline.
1
And someone else at the Times talked about moving to the center......Zucker cannot "see, hear or comprehend" his own bias and disrespect for anyone or anything on the other side of the line. How do you make any attempt to move when you are so entrenched, like in concrete?
17
Just get CNN back to the news, Mr. Zucker, and drop the talking heads and public fights. That's supposed to be why CNN exists in the first place.
14
"behind the more ideologically driven coverage of Fox News and MSNBC."
CNN is as ideologically driven as anyone. More so, perhaps.
CNN is as ideologically driven as anyone. More so, perhaps.
39
Their persistent statements that they are an unbiased news source are just laughable. There is no more unbiased media in this country.
7
Where's Melania and her anti-bullying brigade when you need her? Oh, that's right... nevermind....
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