An announcement earlier this week that former President Donald Trump would appear on CNN for a New Hampshire town hall event raised eyebrows. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav is defending the network, and the move, amid pushback.
“The U.S. has a divided government. We need to hear both voices,” Zaslav said during an appearance on CNBC’s Squawk Box. “That’s what you see. Republicans are on the air on CNN, Democrats are on CNN. All voices should be heard on CNN.”
He then argued that with many news organizations looking to push political agendas, CNN shouldn’t be in that business.
“There are a number of advocacy networks out there. Our focus is to be a network, the best version of the facts, as the great Carl Bernstein would say, great journalism, and not just politics either,” “But when we do politics, we represent both sides. I think it’s important for America.”
When asked if the approach CNN could produce ratings in the current political and cable news landscape, Zaslav said ratings weren’t as important as finding balance in the CNN brand.
“We got a great political season coming. This is a new CNN. I’m proud of CNN. We’re on a great journey, and this country needs it. Journalism, facts, broad aperture…I believe in great brands. I believe in what Ted (Turner) created. It inspired me to get in this business. If you build a great brand, in a long time, you’ll have a lot more value…we’ve got a nice foundation, we’re focused on getting it right.”
When asked if CNN was an “advocacy network” under former CEO Jeff Zucker, Zaslav declined to answer.
Critics have argued that Trump’s role in the January 6th Insurrection, as well as his recent civil and criminal legal troubles, should preclude the network from propping up the candidate. However, at the interview’s conclusion, Zaslav argued that Trump is the Republican frontrunner, and the network has a duty to cover him like any other political candidate.
