John,
Something is very wrong at CNN.
Last week, the network announced it was cutting 6% of its staff. Now, after a public clash with Donald Trump, longtime anchor Jim Acosta has announced he’s leaving the network.
John, at a time when Donald Trump’s norm-breaking, authoritarian presidency demands bold, fact-based journalism, CNN is cutting resources and making troubling choices that signal they’re not up to the task.
What’s happening at CNN?
Acosta’s departure—and the events that led to it—reveal a network retreating from its journalistic responsibility to rise to the moment. Here’s what we mean:
- Jim Acosta was banned from the pressroom during Trump’s previous administration for asking tough questions. Recently, he was pushed to a midnight time slot in a clear attempt to appease Trump. Rather than accept this demotion, Acosta chose to leave CNN altogether.
- Jake Tapper and Anderson Cooper, two of the network’s most vocal critics of Trump, were reportedly directed by their boss to not express outrage during their inauguration coverage and to cover Trump with an “open mind.” Tapper’s coverage was noticeably tepid on Inauguration Day, backing these reports.
- During the campaign, CNN treated Trump with kid gloves while admitting they were holding Kamala Harris to a higher standard. Many critics, including COURIER, called out the network for the biased coverage.
Why this matters
CNN’s demise leaves an already desolate news media landscape without yet another important source for trustworthy, factual news. The network is now in serious danger of becoming yet another purveyor of toothless infotainment, “both sides” coverage, and reporting that bows to Trump instead of staying true to journalism’s pro-democracy mission.
That’s where COURIER comes in
We don’t answer to billionaires, Donald Trump, ratings, or clicks. Our work is grounded in ethics and a belief that facts and truth are essential to democracy.
While legacy media bends, COURIER is standing firm. With your help, we can fill the void and ensure journalism stays true to its mission.
In solidarity,
The COURIER Team