CNN’s long history of Left-wing bias may be nearing its end.
Following the resignation of CNN’s president, Jeff Zucker, the network’s future may trend away from Left-leaning political opinions, and more towards impartial news reporting.
Later this year, CNN will finalize its merger with Discovery Inc., and John Malone, the CEO of Liberty Media, is expected to have notable control over the news site. Liberty Media is Discovery’s largest shareholder, giving Malone a 25% voting share in the company which will be taking control of CNN.
The businessman’s past actions/statements have led many to believe that Malone will aim to adjust CNN’s Liberal biases towards more “impartial” journalism.
In 2017, Malone donated $250,000 to Donald Trump’s inauguration. Back in 2019, Malone boldly stated that he “would like to see CNN evolve back to the kind of journalism that it started with, and actually have journalists, which would be unique and refreshing.”
"I would like to see CNN evolve back to the kind of journalism that it started with, and actually have journalists," claimed John Malone, the top shareholder of Discovery, which is poised to take over the network. pic.twitter.com/QnNhQwgBY0
— Mediaite (@Mediaite) November 19, 2021
“I do believe good journalism could have a role in this future portfolio that Discovery-TimeWarner’s going to represent,” Malone also told CNBC.
The network’s ratings and viewership numbers have steeply declined this past year, fueling speculation that there will be some significant changes made under new ownership.
Without Zucker’s influence, Discovery’s CEO David Zaslav will undoubtedly hold more control over CNN operations. And, while Malone could have a great deal of influence over CNN’s fate, Zaslav has not yet made any indications about his views on the political biases or future of CNN.