A “major shakeup” is reportedly in the works at CNN, as part of a $43 billion merger with Discovery, according to reports.
A majority of CNN’s anchors/staff will be let go as the channel returns to its former 24-hour news format.
But before we get into that, here’s a brief history of CNN’s humble beginnings.
Back in the day, over-the-air television was capable of broadcasting 12 channels in Miami (where I lived).
Those 12 channels consisted of the 3 major networks – ABC, CBS and NBC, plus local television stations.
In 1980, 24-hour commercial-free cable television arrived in our Miami neighborhood. More than 20 channels were available for a small monthly fee (about $7.99).
By 1981, nearly 16 million homes in the U.S. were wired for cable TV.
CNN, the brainchild of Atlanta tycoon Ted Turner, launched on June 1, 1980 and was marketed as the first network in the U.S. to broadcast 24-hour news coverage.
CNN’s first news anchor was the great Bernard Shaw.
Over the years, CNN changed its format from an all-news channel to a reality TV format. The network hired anchors like Don Lemon and Chris Cuomo who routinely became part of the news cycle.
Now, Cuomo, 51, and Lemon, 55, have become liabilities to CNN.
Cuomo refused to report on his brother Andrew Cuomo’s sex scandal. And Lemon is being sued for drunkenly groping another man’s junk at a bar.
After CNN’s ratings crashed into the basement in October, it was reported that a “major shakeup” was in the works.
According to Zerohedge, “CNN is going to revert to a 100% news channel,” and most of CNN’s on-air talent “will be fired as part of a major shakeup.”
CNN’s future boss, David Zaslav, vows to be “very hands on” in returning CNN to its former glory.
“For me, this deal is kind of a dream, surreal opportunity,” Zaslav said. “These are brands that I have admired and loved, built by people I have admired and loved over the past 30 years.”
Cuomo and Lemon are expected to be among the first to receive their pink slips.
