CNN recently endured its lowest-rated week in primetime viewership among the key demographic range in over 30 years. Reportedly, the left-leaning news network attained only 83,000 viewers in the 25-54 age demographic from May 13 to 19.
Furthermore, CNN lagged far behind its competitors in total viewership, with 494,000 total viewers compared to 2 million and 1.1 million with Fox News and MSNBC, respectively. This news further exacerbates the downturn in ratings CNN has experienced over the past several years.
The ratings also pose a challenge for CNN’s newest CEO, Mark Thompson, who assumed leadership at the network following the firing of former CEO Chris Licht last year. Thompson, who also serves as the network’s editor-in-chief, explained the predicament CNN faces following drastic declines in TV viewership.
Thompson recently outlined a change in strategy that will emphasize culture and lifestyle news rather than only covering political topics. The CEO stated, “We don’t believe news is just politics. Business and tech are news. Climate and weather are news. Health, wellness, and living longer are news. So expect to see us build new branded verticals in all these areas on TV, on our apps, and across our other platforms.”
Earlier this year, as Thompson was just months into his role, he explained that he was seeking to transform CNN and bring about a “revolution.” He said, “We need to recapture some of the swagger and innovation of the early CNN. It’s time for a revolution.”
He continued, “Change is essential if we’re to secure this great news company’s future,” Thompson wrote. “It brings uncertainty – that I’m afraid is inevitable – but in my experience, it’s also often rich in personal and shared opportunity. As we enter this new chapter in CNN’s storied history, I’d encourage you to take a leaf out of Ted Turner’s book. Let’s build with confidence. Let’s fulfill our mission. Let’s learn some new tricks. Let’s look after each other. Let’s have some fun.”
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“And that wasn’t, at least to my knowledge that the prosecution didn’t get that get that out earlier. Because it’s not as though the prosecution is going to be helped by further evidence that Michael Cohen is a shady character. I mean, that’s I’ll get to the newest stuff in a second but like I mean, what what’s your what’s your reaction to that news? Because it’s just kind of stunning,” Tapper said.
CNN anchor and chief legal analyst Laura Coates added, “I’m shocked that we are hearing it for the first time on day three of cross examination of Michael Cohen at the prosecution did not take the sting out did not front it because it goes to the heart of the actual case. It’s not just about establishing him as a liar. They’ve done that the prosecution front did that.”