CNN Says CNN+ Service Will Not Be Liberal, ‘We’re Not an Opinion Network’

CNN introduced with nice fanfare that they’re making a “CNN Plus” streaming subscription service for the primary quarter of 2022. Chief digital officer Andrew Morse laid it on thick within the press launch: “As the most trusted and recognized name in news, CNN has unrivaled global reach, world class talent and a deep existing library of content, including award-winning series and films.”

But it turned really weird/hilarious when Morse advised the “Strictly Business” podcast at Variety there could be no “political slant” to CNN Plus content material.  Andrew Wallenstein tried to outline the persona of the brand new enterprise.

WALLENSTEIN: Is it extra irreverent? Is it much less conventional? Is it extra ideological, I’ve to ask? Is it going to be one thing that, you guys are referred to as the liberal community, and if you happen to actually wish to go “deep lib,” this is CNN Plus?

MORSE: I do not suppose anybody who’s searching for “deep lib” would hunt down CNN. It’s simply not what we do. But no, it’s not going to be ideological. We’re simply not in that recreation. We’re not an opinion community, we’re a information community.”

So you’ll be capable to watch Kamau Bell ask giggly softballs to Antifa or the CNN Films love letter to RBG, however “it’s not going to be ideological.” Morse claimed individuals flip to CNN for “trust,” for “credibility,” for “authenticity,” for programming that is “smart and entertaining.”

Brian Stelter’s in-house story quoted his boss Jeff Zucker bragging “we’ll provide customers a streaming product that grows the attain and scope of the CNN model in a manner that nobody else is doing. Nothing like this exists.”

Nothing? But Stelter admits the opposite networks have free streaming providers, after which “Fox News has a three-year-old streaming service called Fox Nation, but it is billed as an “entertainment” product, and is largely known for right-wing opinion programming.”

It’s apparent that “growing the CNN brand” goes to depend on “left-wing opinion programing” and “entertainment product,” since they are going to broaden on exhibits like actor Stanley Tucci’s foodie tour of Italy. 

CNN Plus additionally claims it is going to put an emphasis on “enabling its subscribers to interact with talent about what they’re covering while they’re on air as part of the programming.” Wouldn’t that be enjoyable, for NewsBusters to work together with the “talent” whereas they’re on air?