"The sooner David Ellison takes over CNN the better", said Hegseth as he whined about media coverage

[senseandsensibility]

of trump's war of choice this morning. I hope that CNN takes this as a challenge to do more critical , in depth coverage instead of as a warning to "obey in advance". But I confess that I am not optimistic.

The fact that Hegseth felt free to say this out loud into a microphone is jaw dropping.

[Maru Kitteh]

1. The entire performance was jaw dropping.

And it was unquestionably, a performance. I believe I may have screamed “FUCK YOUUUUUU” louder than I ever have in my car on the way to work.

[senseandsensibility]

3. You have a stronger stomach than I do

I could never listen to him or trump. I just saw this quote about CNN on bluesky. But yeah, it sounds like his whole press conference was gag worthy.

[BannonsLiver]

2. They average 600,000 viewers in prime time.

Sorry you degenerate drunk but that’s nothing these days.

[senseandsensibility]

4. That's bad viewership during prime time

But from what I've seen of some of their shows, they deserve it.

[Ilikepurple]

5. I think, like the NYT and the Washington Post, their influence on the news narratives outsizes their viewership.

I get your point, but it won’t take long before I hear “even CNN is reporting” insert administration propaganda here. The influence of CNN, Fox, and the Washington Post spinning things can ripple through podcasts, YouTube channels, and social media posts. I fear it, but hope your take is right and I’m needlessly worried.

[wishstar]

6. I don't look at CNN online anymore due to their privacy policy and subscription fees

Removed them from cable TV long time ago (along with MSNBC) due to excessive "Trump TV" triggering my spouse to be enraged. But I still had kept CNN as mainstay website to look at for online news until their paywall and then cookie requirements. At least still can look at NBC and ABC online as well as Guardian at least for now.