In the ever-entertaining world of cable news desperation, CNN recently attempted a bold, but sadly chuckle-worthy, stunt to reconnect with its dwindling audience. In what can only be described as the world’s most awkward attempt to be trendy, they decided to have their hosts play pretend podcasts in prime time. Yes, in a world where YouTubers and podcasters are reaping the rewards of genuine connection with millions, CNN is trying to hop on the cool train by shaking things up – ever so slightly.
Picture this: Anderson Cooper, with his tie slightly loosened, projecting the ultimate image of “I promise I’m one of you, really!” as he toyed with a tabletop microphone. And if you thought the fun ended there, think again. Jake Tapper, not one to be left behind, invited viewers into his “real” office, complete with bobbleheads and action figures strategically placed to scream relatability. Because nothing says “serious journalism” quite like an Avengers figurine, right?
This sideshow of faux authenticity is CNN’s Hail Mary to salvage a reputation tarnished by lower viewership than your average cat video on the internet. Alas, even as these titans of traditional media attempt to mimic what comes naturally to a 14-year-old with WiFi, they seem oblivious to the fact that the very audience they pine for is keenly aware of what genuine looks, sounds, and feels like. The tragicomedy is compounded by the fact that some of their previous big names were pruned from the roster in hopes of a fresh start – only to recycle the drapes over the same crumbling façade.
Meanwhile, other networks and commentators smell the opportunity, eagerly pointing out these blunders as proof of mainstream media’s slow-motion car crash. Podcasters, whom legions of loyalists flock to in droves, are ridiculed by old-school cable heads oblivious to the fact that Joe Rogan could sneeze and inadvertently out-rank their ratings. Even new kids on the block, NewsNation, are playing the centrist game, nodding with faux disapproval while hiring CNN’s own former on-air warrior Chris Cuomo, as if that were a badge of merit.
At the end of the day, CNN’s noodling with its programming only serves to highlight the embarrassing gap between corporate slick and crowd-sourced content from genuinely engaging creators. If CNN really wanted to shake things up, perhaps they should do the one thing they’ve been carefully avoiding: authenticity, raw and unfiltered, no curated office spaces, just real discussions – sans action figures. But until then, we can watch the charade from the comfort of our preferred podcast, keeping those trusty mute buttons at the ready.
