WBD chair emeritus John Malone describes CNN as ‘biased to the left and against Trump’

John Malone Critiques CNN’s Partisan Shift

John Malone, the billionaire media magnate known for his role in the creation of CNN, has expressed strong criticism of the network, asserting it has become a “left-leaning anti-Trump” platform.

The 84-year-old, who leads CNN’s parent company Warner Bros Discovery, lamented that the channel has strayed significantly from the vision established by founder Ted Turner back in 1980.

Malone noted, “CNN staff generally lean to the left and exhibit too much personal opinion in their news coverage.” In an interview aimed at promoting his latest book, he categorized CNN as a politically biased news source.

“They can’t help themselves,” Malone remarked, echoing sentiments during his discussion with The New York Times.

He added that CNN exists “in the shadow of what its founders had envisioned.” This criticism carries weight, especially considering Malone’s extensive background in media.

Having built a substantial cable network that reached around 20% of U.S. households via Tele-Communications Inc., Malone is undoubtedly a key player in the media landscape.

Despite efforts by WBD CEO David Zaslav to position CNN more centrally, Malone pointed out that the network still lags behind competitors like Fox News and MSNBC in audience ratings, largely due to its partisan reputation.

In response, CNN, under CEO Mark Thompson, defended itself, stating it remains committed to impartiality. A spokesperson asserted that Thompson believes CNN favors facts over partisan perspectives and that he has never witnessed any interference in its journalism.

Malone, often referred to as “Darth Vader” for his aggressive tactics in the cable industry, was known for rapidly acquiring smaller companies in the 70s and 80s, completing roughly one deal every two weeks. Reflecting on his approach, he said, “Trust me, I don’t have much fun doing monopoly.”

By the time he sold TCI to AT&T for $48 billion in 1999, Malone was reshaping the television industry. He later expanded globally with Liberty Media and Liberty Global, branching into sports and entertainment.

His memoir discusses his behind-the-scenes involvement with influential media figures like Turner and Rupert Murdoch, whom he consulted before the launch of Fox News in 1996.

Malone mentioned having a “serious discussion” with Murdoch regarding a potential merger between Warner Bros Discovery and Fox last summer, although the conversation didn’t lead to any serious negotiations.

Reports indicate that while the topic was broached, it was not actively pursued. Malone, who supports the planned separation of Warner’s assets, has expressed willingness to consider future collaboration, particularly in sports and Formula 1, all while committing to donate the majority of his wealth to charitable causes.