The Warner Bros. Discovery-backed network, CNN, is ambitiously experimenting with a programming slot that sees little success across the industry. The media giant has announced plans to initiate a live newscast right at midnight, entrusting the helm to Elex Michaelson, an anchor with longstanding ties to Los Angeles.
Its competitors, MSNBC and Fox News Channel, typically shut down their live broadcasts post-midnight, favoring re-runs of the day’s headlines in lieu of original content. International news programming fills up the after-midnight air time on CNN, suggesting the notable departure this new live show represents.
This isn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision by CNN, but rather, a thoroughly contemplated one. However, the spotlight on California might limit the casting net to a primarily West Coast audience, who would tune in between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. local time.
The new format isn’t entirely novel; other networks have dabbled in similar strategies in the past. Disney’s ESPN, for example, aired a late-night version of ‘Sports Center’ catered to Los Angeles audiences from L.A.-based studios for several years.
Earlier this year, however, ESPN decided to pack up and return the late airing of ‘Sports Center’ back to its birthplace in Bristol, CT. It’s somewhat puzzling why CNN would choose to sail into stormy waters ESPN decided to evade.
Michaelson has built up quite the reputation in Los Angeles during his time at KTTV. Yet, it might seem strange to some that he would be given such a significant role at CNN considering his particular focus on California. It may point to an unnecessary narrowing of the news focus to a particular region.
At KTTV, Michaelson initiated, hosted, and executive produced a weekly statewide political talk show titled ‘The Issue Is with Elex Michaelson.’ The show often featured interviews with both national and regional figures from the news world.
Michaelson’s enthusiasm is palpable as he takes on this new endeavor. ‘I am so excited to join CNN and learn firsthand from some of the most talented journalists on the planet,’ he said. One has to ask, however, if this excitement isn’t misplaced, given the exceedingly challenging slot he’s to occupy.
CNN’s move comes with mixed feelings. While Michaelson expresses gratitude for CNN’s commitment towards expanding their investment in his hometown, others might see it as a sign of bias towards the West Coast and its industries.
The West Coast is recognized for its global significance across various sectors such as politics, entertainment, technology, and sports. Yet it feels a bit unbalanced to disproportionately concentrate attention on one side of the country, disregarding equally impactful happenings elsewhere.
It’s clear that CNN is hoping this new direction will gain traction, yet one can’t help but question whether a heavy West Coast emphasis is an effective approach. America is a vast and diverse nation, and surely news from across the nation holds equal relevance and interest.
The move brings to light the ongoing struggle in the news industry for fresh, exciting content, even in uncharted time slots. However, whether this gamble of airing a live, two-hour newscast at midnight with a strong geographical bias will serve to enrich or impoverish CNN’s viewership remains to be seen.
In summary, CNN’s decision to launch a midnight live newscast fronted by Elex Michaelson represents a marked shift from convention. However, its California-centric focus does raise questions about its projected audience appeal, and whether this ambitious step will pay dividends or become another name in the long list of failed experiments in the news industry.
The post CNN’s Risky West Coast-Favored Midnight Show: A Recipe for Failure appeared first on Real News Now.
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