Media mogul John Malone expressed to CNN anchor Pamela Brown that taking risks might be necessary if the network doesn’t improve its political coverage, regain neutrality, and ensure live signals are easily reachable globally.
“Today, CNN is largely recognized for its affiliation with Malone, who serves as honorary chairman of Warner Bros Discovery, the parent company,” he mentioned in the interview on Friday.
Malone emphasized that CNN needs to return to being “neutral observers” in discussions about truth, stating that if there’s a debate regarding who’s correct, the network should act as impartial participants in that conversation.
He also pointed out that younger audiences are increasingly gravitating towards blogs and more partisan media.
Looking ahead for cable news, Malone highlighted the ongoing demand for real-time reporting.
“There will perpetually be a need to keep abreast of evolving facts,” he remarked, citing financial news as a strong example of longevity in reporting.
Malone commended CNN for hosting “the largest group of authentic journalists on the planet.”
This discussion took place as CNN struggles to secure a stronger viewer base in comparison to Fox News and MSNBC. In August, CNN averaged around 444,000 viewers during Primetime, significantly trailing behind Fox’s 2.30 million and MSNBC’s 783,000, as per Nielsen’s data.
Malone, who is 84 years old, also talked about his new memoir, “Born Wired,” sharing that he, similar to his late father, has high-functioning autism, a trait he only recognized after it became evident among his grandchildren.
He noted that CNN has diverged from what its founder, Ted Turner, envisioned—a platform focused on straightforward reporting rather than being personality-driven.
Malone advised the network to shine a light on “real journalists” and prioritize fact-based reporting over commentary.
In the wake of the 2022 merger, there have been reports about Warner Bros Discovery’s attempts to shift CNN’s tone, and some analysts believe Malone’s influence is significant given his shareholder status.
In “Born Wired,” he asserts that while CNN contains the industry’s finest journalists, it battles issues of fairness and often mixes analysis with straight news in ways that complicate its branding.
For several years, Malone has argued that CNN should position itself as a centralized alternative to both Fox News and MSNBC.
A CNN representative commented on this topic in a statement last week, highlighting that CEO Mark Thompson has maintained a belief that CNN is aligned with factual reporting rather than favoring any single party or interest.
“For almost two years now, as CEO and editor-in-chief, he hasn’t encountered any attempts from anyone connected to WBD to inappropriately influence CNN’s journalism,” the spokesperson added.
