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There is an awakening, or rather an “unwoking,” occurring at CNN.
Incoming CNN boss indicated that the left-wing network will dial back its liberal opining and negative coverage of Fox News.
After President Donald Trump left office, CNN’s seemingly needed a new “boogeyman.” So they chose Fox News and, in particular, the network often targeted Tucker Carlson as “America’s newest existential threat.”
Licht is backchanneling with agents and reporters to make it known to Fox News management that he wants to work toward a ceasefire, The Daily Beast reported.
This ceasefire could potentially lead to commentators on Fox News reducing their anti-CNN commentary, such as Greg Gutfeld who frequently mocks CNN anchors.
“We will double down on what’s working and quickly eliminate what’s not,” Licht told staffers in a letter.
It appears that CNN’s attacks on Fox News have been failing.
More on this story via Outkick:
CNN’s coverage of Carlson extended well beyond its media reporters. Jim Acosta and Brianna Keilar often began their programs criticizing Carlson, covering him like a politician.
Carlson is the biggest star in cable news. He’s this era’s Bill O’Reilly. However, he’s not a president or even a congressman. Therefore, CNN’s creepy obsession with him didn’t resonate beyond social media reaction. Look at the ratings.
As I argued last week, it’s doubtful Licht can successfully re-establish CNN’s reputation as a credible news agency. To do so, CNN would have to fire those who undermine the network’s original reporting, such as Don Lemon and Jemele Hill. Firing them would spur baseless accusations of racist and sexist business practices, which cowardly media executives fear greatly.
Slashing the network’s coverage of Fox is a far easier task. In fact, the process is already underway. On Sunday’s Reliable Sources, Brian Stelter did not mention Fox News a single time. Not once. If that’s ever happened before, no one can recall it. Not even Stelter.
If CNN focuses less on Fox News, then the future of Stelter and his sidekick Oliver Darcy at the network may also be in doubt. Darcy, in particular, is nothing without calling FNC hosts propagandists and liars. So don’t be surprised to see one or both of Zucker’s former minions end up at MSNBC or Media Matters at some point.
