The new boss is set to purge a lot of people. CNN might say they’re a trusted news source but the advertising dollars and ratings say otherwise. Two employees, Brian Stetler and John Harwood were unceremoniously let go with more to follow. Chris Licht is removing people critical of Trump. Licht wants to go more neutral to hopefully win back trust. Don Lemon maybe next. People are scared for their jobs.
CNN is culling
Harwood had just finished reporting from the White House hours before he received notice. Both Harwood and Stetler had their contracts terminated in an untimely fashion.
One journalist spoke with the Washington Post, “People are freaked out. It almost feels like there’s a pattern. Is there a purge going on? ‘They seem to be sending a message: “Watch what you say. Watch what you do.'”
personal news:
today's my last day at CNN
proud of the work
thanks to my colleagues
i've been lucky to serve the best in American media – St. Petersburg Times, WSJ, NYT, the NBC family, CNN
look forward to figuring out what's next
— John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) September 2, 2022
CNN has lost trust
Licht’s company wide memo said they needed to focus on ‘fearlessly speaking truth to power, challenging the status quo, questioning ‘group-think,’ and educating viewers and readers with straightforward facts and insightful commentary, while always being respectful of differing viewpoints.’ But the boss didn’t elaborate on definition.
One journalist said, “’I think they’re hoping people will just guess what to do.’” Another employee didn’t care for the lack of explanation offered for previous firings. ‘Longtime CNN personalities are disappearing, and the viewers don’t know why.’
Anchors may go next
Don Lemon may be on the chopping block. Jim Acosta and Jake Tapper can also meet the same fate.
People at CNN are having to speak on anonymity. The network is in trouble with mid terms coming up. One producer said, “It’s a really confusing and unsettling time from top to bottom at CNN. I don’t know anyone who is happy right now.” When Harwood was fired, CNN said simply, “We appreciate John’s work covering the White House, and we wish him all the best.”
