SAVE OUR BUTTS! (CNN SINKING)

New York Post ^ | 6/10/04 | TIM ARANGO

[kattracks]

For nearly two years CNN has lagged Fox News in overall ratings — and the prime time hours of 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. are no exception. In the second quarter to date, Fox News is averaging almost 1.6 million viewers in prime time, compared with 857,000 for CNN, according to Nielsen Media Research.

[Jeff Gordon]

CNN, which is based in Atlanta, has steadily increased its presence in New York.

Ah! That is the solution to CNN's rating problem. Move to New York. Yup. That will solve their problem. </sacrasim

[sadimgnik]

Am I the only one who thinks that part of it is because CNN ABC NBC MSNBC and CBS split the same share of audience, while FOX captures a different one?

---

Nope.

In fact, I have made that point before.

It explains why FoxNews is right-wing while the rest of the Fox TV conglomerate is sleazy tabloid TV ... In both cases, they saw a niche and grabbed it with both hands.

This is not to say that those who work for FNC don't actually believe their position - merely that the money-men behind the network don't (much).

Oh - and as for the laughable contention that Fox is 'fair and balanced' ... it is just as biased as CNN - merely from a different direction.

But again, that works .. it means that conservatives have somewhere to have their preconceptions reinforced, in the same way that liberals have for decades.

Sadim

[rabidralph]

Yah, mon!

[Petronski]

To date, CNN's approach to self-rescue has been to repackage their liberalism. That ain't gonna do it.

[BB2]

Fox is beating CNN in all areas except one, what it can charge advertizers.

CNN still wins that one.

Many advertizers would still rather support CNN due to their political leanings, than use common business sense and put their money to use in reaching more viewers.

[Bluntpoint]

Fox News is the only cable news I watch.

But I have to turn it off after Brit Hume's show.

Can't stand the stupid, nothing to offer intellectually, "shouting" shows.

[angkor]

CNN does not care if it alienates 10% of the US public since it has gained 50% internationally.

True enough, yet CNN Asia, CNN Europe, and CNN USA are completely different broadcasts with different anchors, coverage, etc.

CNN Europe is more anti-American than CNN USA, while CNN Asia seems more sober and businesslike.

[blau993]

I just spent two days in a hotel that had the worst imginable range of stations on its TV system. CNN was just about the only choice for news coverage beyond the local stations. I watch FOX at home and as a rule when I am on the road. This was the first time in years I watched CNN.

Forget the accusations of bias and political agenda. They may be there, but I am not sure they are the real issue. The real issue is that CNN has become third rate TV News. The anchors are idiots even by news anchor standards. Their "repartee" is painful. Their content is amateurish. They are just in a world of hurt.

[chainsaw]

The clinton news network, still doesn't get it. I'll give them the formula for taking over the news.

Truthfully start reporting the news as it happens, I don't want your slanted opinion, I want to make up my own mind.

Investigate, and verify the facts.

This would be so easy, but they just want to whine and blame Fox as they sink deeper into despair

[DannyTN]

I don't know if people are getting more conservative.

But I think that for the first time with Fox we have an alternative to the super liberal press. And more and more people are becoming aware a choice exists.

Meanwhile, the liberal press has gotten more liberal because they are trying to turn the tide of conservatism. The more liberal they get, the more the people see through them and realize they aren't getting objective news.

CNN should go poll the Times man on the street and see what he thinks.

[AndyJackson]

You know, I don't mind opinion and analysis, but it needs to be from someone who is smarter than I am (I don't mean Hillary) who knows more than I do (I don't mean Ben Venaliste) and has done things that I haven't done (I don't mean Slick Willie). They really lose it when they put up idiots who ignore or distort obvious facts and state opinions that fly in the face of perfect common sense. The problem with postmodern liberals is that they lose on each and every one of these five criteria.

[Meldrim]

I saw the same thing happen in Riyadh.

[FrankR]

"For nearly two years CNN has lagged Fox News in overall ratings "

Last night, while watching Fox News, they ran a promo (commercial) for "CNN fn", their financial offering.

That means that CNN is BUYING ADS on Fox...that is pretty much an admission to the world that Fox is beating their pants off, and they have to buy time to try and woo the viewers back.

I know that their "fn" section is not the main news portion of CNN, but it get's the CNN logo advertised without the embarassment of the "news" side doing the advertising.

[snooker]

"even the Jamaican restaurant next to me has Fox News on all day."

I have noticed this trend as well. If FNC isn't tuned to, you can always ask the proprietor to change the channel :}

[sr4402]

The Clinton News Network is going to experience a resurgence. It certainly will overtake Fox News by giving us wall-to-wall coverage of Bill Clinton's book "My Life". Of course everyone is interested in Bill Clinton and his activities in the White House, but I think CNN will want to help Bill with his Legacy. Of course we all love Bill, just as much as CNN does and we will enjoy the slandering of Bill's opponents. After all, it is just such good sport. Yawn.

Even Dan Rather on 60 Minutes plans a full hour for Bill Clinton's book. All I can say to Dan, is I'd Rather not.

[Publius6961]

Well, it's their funeral. The solution is obvious and financially cost-free: report the freepin' news! Don't editorialize either overtly on by ommision.

Of course it would require them to jettison their "progressive" ideology and agenda. And admit that the small segment they cater to can no longer keep their grip on significant opinion and influence.

Good riddance!

[trustandobey]

We gave up TV a long time ago. Rush is going to cover the funeral himself, and while we could go to a friends house to watch cable coverage,we've decided Rush will cover it respectfully and we'll see the TV coverage later. There aren't very many commentators that can give Our President the Honor He Deserves.

[bayourod]

"CNN's evening programming includes shows hosted by Paula Zahn, Anderson Cooper, Larry King and Aaron Brown"

I think I see the problem. Yep, a new executive in NY will solve all their problems. (note to self: sell all CNN stock today)

[alrea]

CNN did a good job with Reagan coverage. The heads were positive. They are obviously trying to ease a little more right of Castro, Ted Turner, Marx and Hillary Clinton.

[Publius6961]

When I got home from work it took 5 seconds to realize that all that blabbing and blathering on FOX was intolerable. A quick switch to C-SPAN fixed that!

I never thought I'd see the day.