Today in "what were they thinking?!": CNN cuts its science/space/technology division and will be absorbing the sections into the general programming line-up. Miles O'Brien, the chief chief technology and environment anchor for the station, is getting the axe because of this move, as well as six producers. This even though most viewers want more science news, not less.
Equivalent? Hmm…maybe like Portfolio cutting its online division to spend more money on their flailing print editions. CNN execs reasoning, after the jump.
CNN spokesperson Christa Robinson tells TVNewser the unit is being shuttered as the network integrates science, environment and technology reporting into the general editorial structure. "Now that the bulk of our environmental coverage is offered through the Planet in Peril franchise, which is part of the AC360 program, there is no need for a separate unit," Robinson says.
CNN Statement: "Miles has made many contributions to CNN over the years. He is a terrific reporter and we wish him all the best."
Sure sure. Who needs a science department when you are trying to roll out your own school paper to compete with your rivals at the neighboring H.S.? It's called consolidation, people.
Pirates Come Back for Second Round of Whoop-Ass (21)
· weezy says: “Gays and blacks like Obama, that’s pretty much it. Military LOVES Rush, and... »
· Rhonda says: They don’t always respect command, ever heard of the F U salute, soldiers hated... »
· bam-a-lam says: @Rhonda: The military always respects the President, no matter who he/she is. The... »
Bald A-Hole Joe the “Plumber” Now Stealing from Ignorant Poor People (39)
· weezy says: “Obama said, well I’m going to tax your earnings and give it to losers who... »
· Rhonda says: Bam, No one picked “Joe the Plumber” he asked Obama a guestion, Obama blew... »
· bam-a-lam says: “Joe the Plumber” really is a pretty bad spokesman. He’s not a... »
Obama Puppy Now Fielding Your Questions (67)
· whitney says: I didn’t have enough patience to read all of the pages of comments. PETA is... »
The Bigoted, Illiterate Tea Party Goons Gallery (106)
· weezy says: i hope all of those people protesting make 250K and above and will not take any stimulus... »
Despite Glenn Beck’s Support, Texas Will Never Secede (38)
· weezy says: @bam-a-lam: #18 brilliant post!!! #26 getreal: i agree. i think we should all get... »
GretaWire Wire (14)
· Rhonda says: Obama continues on his America Sucks 09 apology tour. Chavez and Obama looked pretty... »
Yes, that's the answer to improving journalism: Fire a real journalist and real producers who produce real journalism, and while you're at it, shut down the science, space, environment and technology division. Yes, that's the answer! Yes, that will draw more viewers! That's sarcasm, by the way, for all you dumb television news executives who are ruining journalism. In all seriousness, in 2008, you do NOT fire someone like O'Brien–either of them–and you do NOT shut down your science, space, environment and technology division. In fact, that's just incredibly stupid and a stupid journalism move. Let's think about what is relevant in 2008–hmmm. Okay, we've got it! Science. Space. The environment. Technology. These are literally among the most important and relevant issues in the news today. So you do NOT shut down that unit–you expand it. And any journalism outfit worth their pens and notebooks should be reporting on these issues EVERY SINGLE DAY. What an unbelievably stupid move on CNN's part–just dumb.
Wow, I mean what else can you say about a network that shuts down its "science, space, environment and technology division"? Are they going Creationist?
The month before Obama takes office, and there might actually be some PROGRESS in the areas of "science, space, environment and technology."