The Perception of CNN as a Fair and Neutral News Source in the Liberal Community

An exploration of how different segments within the liberal community view CNN, illustrating the varying perspectives on CNN's role as a neutral news source in comparison to more partisan outlets.

Introduction to CNN's Perceived Fairness and Credibility

Many liberals generally see CNN as a relatively fair and credible news source, especially when compared to more overtly partisan networks. This perception stems from the outlet's emphasis on centrist reporting and its coverage of a wide range of issues.

However, opinions on CNN's neutrality and fairness among liberals can be highly varied. Some individuals appreciate CNN's reporting on important issues, while others criticize it for not being progressive enough or for perceived biases in coverage. Overall, while CNN is often seen as more centrist compared to other networks, individual perspectives on its fairness can differ.

Perception Across the General Public

For most NORMAL people, CNN is perceived as a centrist source of news reporting and topics, offering center-leftish opinions and commentary with occasional counterpoint. It is not viewed as a source of false narratives or conspiracies. The fact that fake news entities are often sued for millions when they present false information has reinforced CNN's credibility.

CNN's Shift in Tone and Revenue Effects

CNN's initial attempt to pivot left, like MSNBC did, was not as successful in terms of financial returns. They are gradually moving farther right to match or exceed MSNBC, aligning more closely with Fox News in some ways. However, CNN has lost much of its objectivity, a trait that was not prominent in the first place, due to the focus on maintaining high ad revenue.

Ad revenue is the primary driver for most news channels, and CNN is no exception. Telling people what they want to hear and instilling fear to increase viewership is a common tactic to achieve the highest ad revenue. This business model fundamentally conflicts with the concept of objective news reporting.

The Business Model of Major TV News

According to FCC regulations, news channels are required to run as little as five minutes of actual news per hour. The rest of the time is dedicated to commentary and analysis, rather than pure news.

The AllSides Media Bias Chart suggests that while the actual news content of major news channels is fairly neutral, it is the opinion section that contributes to the political bent of the overall programming. This highlights the tension between the demand for accurate news reporting and the economic pressures driving commercial news networks.

Conclusion

The perception of CNN as a fair and neutral news source varies widely within the liberal community and among the general public. While CNN is often seen as more centrist, its business model and the rise of 24-hour live news exacerbate the issue of news bias and objectivity. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for viewers to navigate the landscape of modern media consumption.