A New York Times article linked to on this Web site poses the question of whether CNN’s “middle-of-the-road” approach can survive in a cable news landscape of right and left-wing ranting.  The article I think underplays CNN’s self-inflicted wounds.  The network has steadily diluted its once-powerful brand over the years by straying from its straight-down-the-middle approach.  While CNN clearly still displays its journalistic chops at times, it also airs a lot of nonsense that is better suited to ‘E!’.  It showcased - and helped boost - the extremism of Glenn Beck (CNN will say ‘oh but that was on Headline News’ - I say ’so what’ - CNNHN has CNN in its name) and hyped Nancy “Ed Murrow” Grace.

Then, of course, there is Lou Dobbs.  I find it amusing that CNN domestic president Jon Klein is quoted as saying that Dobbs is “doing more of a straight newscast than he’s ever done before.”  First of all, with the immigration issue heating up again, don’t count on it, Jon.  Second, I guess you don’t remember Lou’s old show “Moneyline.”  That was before your time.  I was a reporter on that program, and while Lou’s right-wing tilt and coziness with CEOs tinged the show (this was before Lou’s faux populism), it was more or less a straight news show.

Back then CNN was perhaps less polished but actually was more professional.  News was king and news “personalities” were less important.  Yeah, yeah… you need personalities for success, blah blah blah.  Now CNN is a mish-mash of trivial stories, blowhards and talking heads, occasionally sprinkled with some top-notch coverage.