Flutterby™! : WTF CNN?

Next unread comment / Catchup all unread comments User Account Info | Logout | XML/Pilot/etc versions | Long version (with comments) | Weblog archives | Site Map | | Browse Topics

WTF CNN?

2010-04-29 19:00:24.992674+00 by Dan Lyke 4 comments

comments in descending chronological order (reverse):

#Comment Re: made: 2010-04-30 16:07:47.910203+00 by: other_todd

I would be willing to accept the advertiser theory.

#Comment Re: made: 2010-04-30 15:40:44.096657+00 by: Dan Lyke

Todd, just to play devil's advocate I'll take a slightly more optimistic stance: The advertisers who pay for CNN want consumers who are more interested in gossip, celebrities and sensationalism.

Not that I actually believe that thesis.

#Comment Re: made: 2010-04-30 15:12:14.074616+00 by: other_todd

Oh boy do I ever disagree with their thesis.

We know you think this is what we want, but it's not. We don't care what random Tweeters think about a news story, how many holograms you have in your Situation Room, or even the latest celebrity gossip.

Who's "we" in that sentence? I submit to you, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, that the average American reader IS more interested in gossip and celebrities and sensationalism than actual breadth or depth of news, and that while CNN is undeniably guilty of a crime, they are being charged with the wrong one. The charge should be changed to "playing to their audience." Also known as "trying to make a profit." The defense recommends a suspended sentence.

#Comment Re: made: 2010-04-29 23:58:52.744302+00 by: John Anderson

+1 for their use of the interrobang!