General Discussion

https://www.mediamatters.org/cnn/warner-bros-ceos-comments-further-illustrate-cnns-lurch-right

CNN’s noticeable shift to the right seems to be part of an overarching strategy under the direction of CNN CEO Chris Licht and supported by parent company Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav. Zaslav admitted at a recent media conference that he and Licht had told GOP members of Congress that appearing on CNN would help them get House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s House leadership vote across the finish line back in January.

Zaslav also claimed, “CNN should be where people come for the best version of the truth and for journalism, and that is what we are building.”

His comments come just days after Licht held a disastrous town hall for former President Donald Trump (the day after he was found guilty of defamation and sexual abuse in a civil suit). Under Licht’s leadership, two CNN journalists who openly criticized the right have been fired. Reporting suggests that these moves were part of a concerted effort to prevent CNN personalities from continuing to call out Republicans for undermining democracy.

Licht’s recent decisions are accelerating CNN’s turn to the right. CNN has also hired pro-Trump commentators in recent years, allowed commentators and guests to lie about climate scientists, platformed a variety of right-wing figures to spread misinformation on the network, and been celebrated by right-wing media for parroting extremist talking points.