Industry News
Republicans Are Breaking Out of the FOX News Bubble
In an opinion piece, Bloomberg reporter Joshua Green discusses how some GOP House members are looking at mainstream media in a new light. In a recent CBS poll, 48% of Republican voters say they want the new Republican House majority to “prioritize working with Biden and Democrats.” Green argues that while passing bipartisan legislation may be a stretch, showing up on CNN or MSNBC at least gives the appearance of reaching across the aisle.
CNN Revamps Lineup Under Licht’s New Leadership
CNN announced it is revamping its dayside programming lineup, one of the many new initiatives under newly minted CNN chief executive Chris Licht. The new strategy will aim to highlight CNN’s reporting capabilities and make use of cutting-edge technologies and increased creativity more effectively. A key aspect of the new model is that anchors will not be seated behind desks, but rather roam about and make use of all the network’s studio space. Licht thinks the new format will provide anchors the freedom to be “more honest” in front of the camera and put the network in a strong position as evening and primetime hours approach.
FOX News Has a New King of Cable News: Meet “The Five”
There is a new king of cable news. “The Five”, a daily FOX News panel discussion of hot button issues, was the most watched cable news show in 2022. The show surpassed longtime ratings champs, Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity. The Five was also one of the most watched shows on all of cable in 2022, second to only the western drama Yellowstone. The Five showcases a majority-conservative lineup of hosts, many of whom also host successful solo shows at FOX.
The Daily Beast May Be on The Verge of a Leadership Transition
One of the first billionaires to try their hand at digital journalism was computer tycoon Barry Diller, who founded The Daily Beast with veteran editor Tina Brown in the early 2000s. However, it now seems Diller has hired the advisory firm Whisper Advisor to explore deals for The Daily Beat. The sale is still in its early stage. However, it is expected to take longer than usual as the industry is going through a rough time and the media company continues to be involved in a lawsuit process, making it more complicated. The site is still a strong reporting outlet with about 1 million visitors and a small circle of around 100 reporters.
NBC News Starts the New Year with Some Shakeups to Daytime Programming
NBC’s newsgathering operations are beginning the new year with some significant changes, including modifications to daytime and streaming programs and layoffs that will affect the division. Streaming programs and daytime show hosts have been moved around, and program times have shifted as the company laid off around 75 employees and is trying to accommodate for a new year.
CBS Late-Night Host Adapts Popular Novel into TV
Stephen Colbert, CBS late night-host and Spartina production company owner, is planning to create the adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s favorite fantasy novel. The Chronicles of Amber might finally get put into a drama TV series as Spartina partners with Skybound Entertainment and Vincent Newman Entertainment. The casting crew will shortly start looking for a writer. Spartina has a first-look agreement with CBS Studios, but no distributor has signed on yet.
Career Moves
Monica Sarkar, New CNN Senior Editor
CNN International has promoted Monica Sarkar to senior editor, overseeing the digital platform (mobile, app, and homepage). Sarkar will also manage the global team. She has worked at CNN for over ten years, previously serving as a senior digital producer and writer. Before joining CNN, she was a freelancer writing for the Guardian, BBC, and Huffington Post.
Forbes Appoints New Breaking News Reporter
Ana Faguy has left USA Today and will join Forbes as a breaking news reporter. Before USA Today, she worked at E&E News, covering energy and environmental issues news. Faguy started her career at The Baltimore Sun, where she reported on enterprise and breaking news stories focusing mainly on government, politics, and business.
Morning Brew Healthcare Beat Appoints New Reporter
Healthcare Brew, the heath focused vertical of the Morning Brew, has hired Kristine White as a reporter. White was a news associate at The New York Times, where she covered the COVID-19 pandemic at an in-depth level. She was part of the team that won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service and the 2020 Philip Meyer Journalism award. White began her career as a freelance writer for Barron’s, focusing on topics such as the Paycheck Protection Program and other issues related to small businesses and COVID-19.
The Washington Post Announces New Global Climate Correspondent
Chico Harlan, a Foreign Correspondent for the Washington Post, will now become the first correspondent to cover climate worldwide. In his new position, Chico will travel around Europe, Africa, and the Middle East in search of the most relevant stories on how environmental change and global warming affect individuals and civilizations. Harlan has worked at the Washington Post for over 15 years and has been involved at four different bureau desks. He was the Rome Bureau Chief for the last five years.