CNN gave us an example, how powerful media coverage and reach can be in 2023. CNN hosted a town hall interview in New Hampshire during prime time Wednesday evening with former president Donald Trump.
In a town hall, you always have an audience participating to listen, applause and potentially raise questions to be answered by the participants. First things first: The majority of the audience had been republicans (many of them voted for Trump in the election 2020) and from the 9 people asking questions, 7 voted for Trump during the last election as well. You might ask if that is balanced? Ask CNN – they had been fully aware of the audience and the questioner beforehand.
During the campaign for the 2016 election, CNN – like many others – provided a massive media coverage for Donald Trump, as he was the outlaw guy and the challenger (BTW…and he was guaranteeing high viewing figures which translates in massive advertising spending which translates into massive profits for the media…). During and after his presidency, CNN analyzed their coverage and admitted that there was way too much and too uncontrolled coverage of Trump. Uncontrolled means, that they just gave him the platform to talk, so that he was not interrupted or attacked when he came up with all his lies and false statements. Conclusion was, that CNN will change this. Already during the campaign for 2020 they failed in doing so, as they provided the same platform for Trump (and he used it) as they did 2016. One might argue, that they changed something and I have to admit they did, but net net it was a minor change and did not result in what they wanted to achieve.
Therefore, to my big (actually my super big) surprise, CNN hosted this exclusive 1-1 town hall for one hour in New Hampshire. Kaitlin Collins, who did the interview with Trump, is an American journalist and was the CNN chief White House correspondent until 2022. During 2016 – 2018 she was the White House correspondent for the “Daily Caller”. During that time she became “famous” as she was confronting Trump with questions to Putin during an Oval Office photos opportunity and subsequently she was banned from the press conferences going forward given her “rude, fake and un-polite” behavior towards the president.
Anyhow, CNN decided to put her up at prime time 1-1 with Trump. For sure, this format is perfect for Trump to bring up all his “thoughts & opinions” (other would say his weird, own constructed, reality) in front of an audience that will guarantee him positive reactions by all means. Guess what happened? Exactly this – have a look at some of the statements – which are mainly lies from Trump during this session:
Trump made dismissive comments about Jean Carroll – the woman that sued him for rapping. He was pitying her husband and made really bad jokes
Trump was supportive on federal abortion ban – welcome to the last centuries…
Trump refused to back Ukraine in the war with Russia, stating he has a great relation with Putin
Trump stated, he can make peace in the war within 24 hours by making a deal
Trump would pardon January 6th rioters
And in addition he was insulting lots of lots of respected people – no matter of their political opinion.
All cheered and celebrated by the life audience in the town hall
Whoever is the editor-in-chief at CNN, whoever is the responsible person for this set up. This person or these people should be held accountable to provide a platform in such shape and form. It is without question, that people have to be able to voice their opinion. But if you know by a fact, that the majority of the statements are simple lies, we have to stop providing these platforms. Democracy is not a system where you can show up and win votes by spreading lies and insulting people. Don’t know what CNN needs to learn in addition to finally act accordingly.
