Regular Stelter Guest Says Stelter Might Be ‘Ousted’ by New Bosses

Axios.com media reporter Sara Fischer is a regular fixture in Brian Stelter’s Trustworthy SourcesShow and newsletter. So it’s a little shocking that Fischer is reporting that Stelter could be on the chopping block if he can’t adopt CNN’s new tone of being more straight-ahead news and less partisan trash talk. 

Chris Licht, CNN’s new boss is currently examining whether programs and personalities which became increasingly polarizing in the Trump era could be adaptable to CNN’s new priority of being less partisan.

It matters why: According to three people familiar with this matter, talent who cannot change their strategy or tone of voice could face dismissal if it is not possible for them to adapt.

Details: Licht hopes to offer personalities who may seem polarizing the chance to show they are willing to stand by CNN’s values, so they don’t damage CNN’s journalism reputation.

You can argue that CNN’s reputation for journalism has suffered for some time. Licht appears to want to return CNN to the subtler styles of the 1990s even though it is still ridiculed by conservatives like the Clinton News Network. Licht is trying to end Zucker-style interviews, which focus on shouting at Republican or conservative guests. 

On-air talent should engage in respectful interviews, which don’t feel like PR stunts. Producers and bookers need to make programming decisions that focus on nuance rather than noise.

The lines between them: CNN tone became more partisan during Trump’s presidency and under former CNN President Jeff Zucker.

Conservative critics say that some of the networks’ most prominent personalities are Brian Stelter and Jim Acosta.

Et tu Fischer? Acosta is clearly Zuckeresque’s face, as is Stelter. CNN observers should not forget that Stelter made a name for himself early by building relationships with influential media figures. The college fund should believe that Stelter will present himself to Licht as Licht’s most important helper and player on the team.

Licht does not want to make everyone watch CNN.

Licht stated that he agreed with the complaints of “people both within and outside” about the use of the “Breaking News” banner by the network.

“We are truth-tellers, focused on informing, not alarming our viewers,” he said in the note obtained by Axios.

Here’s the big pictureJohn Malone, John Malone’s mentor and investor, and Zaslav have made it public that they want to remove CNN from progressive commentary.

“I would like to see CNN evolve back to the kind of journalism that it started with, and actually have journalists, which would be unique and refreshing,” Malone told CNBC last year.

“Alarming viewers” has been perceived as a way for news channels to grab viewers and keep them glued to the screen. With half an hour of screaming interviews with Trump advisors Kellyanne Conway, Zucker achieved this. However, too much alarming can lead to viewers becoming jaded and depressed. They will switch over to Game Show Network. CNN remains a news brand like Pepsi or Coke. CNN’s new financiers want to restore ratings.