CNN Public Editor: tabloid tendencies

[babylonsister]

https://www.cjr.org/public_editor/cnn-public-editor-tabloid-tendencies.php

CNN Public Editor: tabloid tendencies
By Ariana Pekary
November 22, 2021


Since last year, CNN ratings are down 73 percent. Without the daily spectacle of Donald Trump as president, cable news producers appear to be seeking other dramatic narratives. The network’s exaggerated tone and graphic content increasingly pushes it into the realm of tabloid-like material.

This trend emerged in September with the death of Gabby Petito, a young woman allegedly killed by her boyfriend. I’ve been told that producers justified that coverage due to the abundance of available Instagram material. But the accessibility of photographs doesn’t make a story newsworthy––it makes it convenient infotainment.

snip//

We may be living in an era where we’ve lost an understanding of what makes good journalism, not gossip, in TV news. As a reminder, the Society of Professional Journalists provides useful guidance: “Ethical journalism treats sources, subjects, colleagues and members of the public as human beings deserving of respect.”

SPJ states that journalists should:

– Balance the public’s need for information against potential harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance or undue intrusiveness.

– Recognize that legal access to information differs from an ethical justification to publish or broadcast.

— Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity, even if others do.

CNN should use their ample resources to report information responsibly and chase stories that actually matter to the public.

[tanyev]

1. Yes. Much is said about news networks bowing to the will of corporate masters,

but I think another part of the problem is the influence of shows like Entertainment Tonight and Access Hollywood. That's what the local news I watch seems to be emulating.

[Sherman A1]

2. CNN is beyond useless

In my opinion. Nothing but drama infotainment, not worth any of my time.

[True Dough]

3. I will admit to tuning in to CNN often while the Orange Anus reigned

But I barely watch the news networks since he left office because I'm no longer caught up in the scandal du jour. I have a few news programs and podcasts that I watch/listen to and that's about it because Joe and the Dems have brought normalcy back to the world, in large part. Thankfully!

[Baitball Blogger]

4. Some of their reporters stand out.

Acosta, Keilar and Don Lemon come to mind. And I don't think the others are bad. But they need to change up the format.