Came across this wonderful article in the NY Times: CNN Had a Problem. Donald Trump Solved It – Inside the strange symbiosis between Jeff Zucker and the president he helped create — The New York Times, By Jonathan Mahler, April 4, 2017

Jeff Zucker is the President of arguably one of the nation’s largest and most respected news media outlet, CNN. The reason for sharing this article is because it reveals to the world how the news works in the United States.

Sit back and admire the honesty:

Zucker is a big sports fan and from the early days of the campaign had spoken at editorial meetings about wanting to incorporate elements of ESPN’s programming into CNN’s election coverage. “The idea that politics is sport is undeniable, and we understood that and approached it that way”.

Yes. That was a real quote about the President of CNN describing politics! Let that marinate for a while.

If you have any doubts about the intentions of the president of CNN, all you have to do in continue reading:

As Zucker sees it, his pro-Trump panelists are not just spokespeople for a worldview; they are “characters in a drama,” members of CNN’s extended ensemble cast. “Everybody says, ‘Oh, I can’t believe you have Jeffrey Lord or Kayleigh McEnany,’ but you know what?” Zucker told me with some satisfaction. “They know who Jeffrey Lord and Kayleigh McEnany are.”

Unfortunately, Zuker is right. Fighting makes for entertaining television. This is manufactured drama. Here’s how it works:

1. CNN hires and pays bullshit artists
2. CNN invites and airs the bullshit artists on national TV
3. CNN presents its audience with a mini bullshit TV-drama that they paid for.

So, what’s the difference between Reality TV, ESPN and CNN? Turns out, not that much. It’s all bout drama and spectacle.

Remember, these are not my words. This are the words and ideas of the President of CNN.

Thanks for reading,

Notes:

CNN Had a Problem. Donald Trump Solved It. – The New York Times

Vox did a great video on this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pS4x8hXQ5c