CNN’s COVID coverage led to viewer distrust, survey found
CNN has come under fire for its coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an internal survey commissioned by the cable channel revealing a lack of trust among viewers. Respondents cited an overall liberal bias as the top reason for their lack of trust in the network. CNN boss Chris Licht has criticized the coverage of the pandemic under his predecessor, Jeff Zucker, and has apologized to staffers after an in-depth account of his reign was published in The Atlantic. The article portrayed Licht as a thin-skinned boss who alienated rank-and-file employees with his aloof and increasingly paranoid management style as well as his criticism of Zucker. Senior anchors, reporters, and correspondents have reportedly lost confidence in his leadership, and Licht’s future as CNN boss is said to be in doubt.
FAQs:
What was the reason for the lack of trust among viewers in CNN’s coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic?
The top reason cited was an overall liberal bias, according to an internal survey commissioned by the cable channel.
Who criticized CNN’s coverage of the pandemic under his predecessor?
CNN boss Chris Licht criticized the coverage of the pandemic under his predecessor, Jeff Zucker.
What was The Atlantic’s in-depth account of Licht’s reign?
The Atlantic’s article portrayed Licht as a thin-skinned boss who alienated rank-and-file employees with his aloof and increasingly paranoid management style as well as his criticism of Zucker.
What has Licht apologized for?
Licht has apologized to staffers after The Atlantic’s article was published, saying “I should not be in the news.”
What is the current state of Licht’s future at CNN?
Licht’s future as CNN boss is said to be in doubt as senior anchors, reporters, and correspondents reportedly have lost confidence in his leadership.
According to survey results, viewers lost trust in CNN’s COVID reporting.
An internal survey commissioned by CNN has revealed that the network’s liberal bias in its coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a lack of trust among viewers. The survey, cited by CNN boss Chris Licht, was part of his criticism of the network’s pandemic coverage under his predecessor, Jeff Zucker. Licht highlighted how CNN was initially viewed as a trusted source but then it became apparent that the network was prioritizing ratings and a sense of urgency. Respondents cited the overall liberal bias as the key reason for distrust towards CNN, followed by the “Chris Cuomo situation”, in reference to the former CNN host who was let go by the network after it was discovered that he provided communications advice to his brother, Andrew Cuomo, who was accused of sexual misconduct. Licht has apologized to CNN staff following an in-depth feature in The Atlantic that portrayed him as a thin-skinned boss who had alienated employees with his management style. Meanwhile, staffers at the network have reportedly lost confidence in Licht’s leadership.