'If you fall silent, the country is doomed': CBS News' Scott Pelley stresses courage as network faces pressure campaign

[thesquanderer]

5. Answering your questions about why CNN, etc.

Warner (who owns CNN and HBO) had the rights to the movie, and their cooperation may have been required for the live broadcast of the adaptation of same. As to when they have done something similar...

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/george-clooney-good-night-and-good-luck-live-cnn-1236255646/

CNN received the call from Clooney and found that the programming fit into their larger strategy with CNN Originals, which had previously aired a prerecorded version of Colin Quinn’s Off-Broadway play, as well as concerts and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, among others.

The goal with this is to bring different kinds of programming to the regular CNN viewers and grow the audience, particularly as cable news networks are looking to bring in viewers among a broader linear ratings decline, Entelis said.
...
CNN is well-suited to do more live events, Entelis said, and while she is not sure it will be another Broadway show, the network is looking for “more innovative, experimental ways to move the needle.”