CNN: The Continuing Soap Opera

[ATLNewsExpert 455]

With James Earl Jones' passing, I was thinking about voiceovers and I came to a conclusion, NO CNN SHOW USES A VOICEOVER. That has to change, literally, especially considering how much they used to be used. How hard is it to get some read "Live from New York City, this is CNN News Central with John Berman, Kate Boludan, and Sara Sidner"?

[YourWorldToday 15]

CNNI still uses voiceovers:

 

 

 

 

[MediaZone4K 2172]

4 hours ago, ATLNewsExpert said:

With James Earl Jones' passing, I was thinking about voiceovers and I came to a conclusion, NO CNN SHOW USES A VOICEOVER. That has to change, literally, especially considering how much they used to be used. How hard is it to get some read "Live from New York City, this is CNN News Central with John Berman, Kate Boludan, and Sara Sidner"?

It's not hard, it's just cheaper. 

 

I do agree that newscast voiceovers (and talent opens) add extra flavor.  Look at how much Scott Chapin's voice added to WSVN or Howard Reig's raspy voiceovers for NBC. 

Edited September 12, 2024 by MediaZone4K

[YourWorldToday 15]

A friend pointed out to me something interesting today. Around noon ET, it was Inside Politics with Dana Bash. Nothing unusual there, right? Due to the (second) Trump assassination attempt, CNN International carried Inside Politics as well. But CNN Max didn't, instead staying with the usual CNNI output at that time (One World). Which begs the question: why produce today's edition of One World, a CNNI show aimed at a global audience... and only show it to a handful of viewers on Max? It makes no sense.

 

I know CNN Max can't simulcast too much of CNN domestic in case the cable companies get upset. So in that case why can't CNNI viewers get the output that we normally get anyway? I think they would have covered the shooting attempt just as well as domestic, if not better. Seems CNNI is on its way out. I'm convinced that as soon as WBD are able to turn CNN Max into a full-on CNN simulcast, they will do so, and end CNNI with it. 

[MediaZone4K 2172]

On 9/12/2024 at 9:26 AM, YourWorldToday said:

CNNI still uses voiceovers:

 

 

 

 

Looks like CNN is no longer using the white CNN logo in a red box to differentiate the international versus domestic channel. 

 

It would be cool if CNN I had its own distinct identity --especially since International had a far greater news reputation than domestic in  recent years. I suppose brand uniformity is what they're going for.

[ATLNewsExpert 455]

6 minutes ago, MediaZone4K said:

Looks like CNN is no longer using the white CNN logo in a red box to differentiate the international versus domestic channel. 

 

It would be cool if CNN I had its own distinct identity --especially since International had a far greater news reputation than domestic in  recent years. I suppose brand uniformity is what they're going for.

Been that way since the first version of the new graphics debuted. And to YourWorldToday's post, but those are the International newsrooms, I meant CNN domestic.

[mre29 1519]

On 9/16/2024 at 4:08 PM, YourWorldToday said:

I know CNN Max can't simulcast too much of CNN domestic in case the cable companies get upset. So in that case why can't CNNI viewers get the output that we normally get anyway? I think they would have covered the shooting attempt just as well as domestic, if not better. Seems CNNI is on its way out. I'm convinced that as soon as WBD are able to turn CNN Max into a full-on CNN simulcast, they will do so, and end CNNI with it. 

 

They need to end HLN first.

 

[YourWorldToday 15]

6 hours ago, mre29 said:

 

They need to end HLN first.

 

I’m sure they will do something with HLN as soon as they are able. Probably they’ll rebrand it as soon as the current contracts expire. 
 

Back to CNN Max, Oliver Darcy had an interesting article in his new newsletter yesterday. The gist of it is that CNN Max used to simulcast a lot of CNN, but now they don’t (it’s either CNNI or separate shows) and this is because of (surprise) the cable companies. WBD’s excuse is that CNN Max is still in beta (a year after it launched!) and so the schedule

is fluid. Basically it’s all about keeping the cable companies on-side. Interesting times. 

[CraigViewer 77]

This is an interesting setup for "Inside Politics" on CNN today.  It's quite cramped.  I am not sure whether or not they are on location at a local CNN affiliate station or that their main set in the Washington bureau is undergoing renovations or something.

[ATLNewsExpert 455]

17 minutes ago, CraigViewer said:

This is an interesting setup for "Inside Politics" on CNN today.  It's quite cramped.  I am not sure whether or not they are on location at a local CNN affiliate station or that their main set in the Washington bureau is undergoing renovations or something.

Keep an eye on this, let's see if they use the normal studio for The Lead

[NBC 5 Chicago 191]

Dana at the beginning of the show stated she is in Los Angeles. 

[CraigViewer 77]

10 hours ago, NBC 5 Chicago said:

Dana at the beginning of the show stated she is in Los Angeles. 

Thanks!  I tuned in a few minutes into the show today.

[NBC 5 Chicago 191]

Wolf announced during his edition of Newsroom at 11am EDT that Pamela Browns show will debut on Monday in that timeslot. 

[CraigViewer 77]

12 hours ago, NBC 5 Chicago said:

Wolf announced during his edition of Newsroom at 11am EDT that Pamela Browns show will debut on Monday in that timeslot. 

I wonder if CNN still has plans for Pamela Brown to anchor her own weekday program, "The Bulletin with Pamela Brown."  If so, perhaps her anchoring an edition of the Monday through Friday "Newsroom" is a way for the audience to become accustomed to seeing her on a weekday basis before her program is ready for launch.

[YourWorldToday 15]

On 9/21/2024 at 5:25 AM, CraigViewer said:

I wonder if CNN still has plans for Pamela Brown to anchor her own weekday program, "The Bulletin with Pamela Brown."  If so, perhaps her anchoring an edition of the Monday through Friday "Newsroom" is a way for the audience to become accustomed to seeing her on a weekday basis before her program is ready for launch.

I'd be surprised if there are any changes to shows before the election. I suspect there might be a bigger schedule change when Wolf leaves after the election. 

[mre29 1519]

2 hours ago, YourWorldToday said:

I'd be surprised if there are any changes to shows before the election. I suspect there might be a bigger schedule change when Wolf leaves after the election. 

 

He's leaving? 

[YourWorldToday 15]

14 hours ago, mre29 said:

 

He's leaving? 

Apparently so. It was in Puck News, I think one of Dylan Byers' articles, and it said Wolf is planning on retiring shortly after the inauguration. (As is Lester Holt at NBC)

[ATLNewsExpert 455]

CNN website got a revamp?

 

Breaking News, Latest News and Videos | CNN

[Geoffrey 860]

The morning edition of CNN News Central is much lighter on the graphics and videos used on the walls of the studio this week. There used to be multiple graphics, charts and video boxes displayed for most stories. Apparently the inspiration for the format were the CNN election night broadcasts. But now it's very stripped down.

 

I wonder if this is the result of budget cuts/layoffs (the people needed to design the graphics and run the extra graphics in the control room), though it seems strange to do this right before the election in two weeks. Perhaps some of the usual staff is in election night rehearsals.

 

Meanwhile, the afternoon edition has been mostly at the desk. They've been doing this a lot, but I feel like they sometimes go back to the original format, tough I'm not certain how long it's been since they did that.

[ATLNewsExpert 455]

10 hours ago, Geoffrey said:

The morning edition of CNN News Central is much lighter on the graphics and videos used on the walls of the studio this week. There used to be multiple graphics, charts and video boxes displayed for most stories. Apparently the inspiration for the format were the CNN election night broadcasts. But now it's very stripped down.

 

I wonder if this is the result of budget cuts/layoffs (the people needed to design the graphics and run the extra graphics in the control room), though it seems strange to do this right before the election in two weeks. Perhaps some of the usual staff is in election night rehearsals.

 

Meanwhile, the afternoon edition has been mostly at the desk. They've been doing this a lot, but I feel like they sometimes go back to the original format, tough I'm not certain how long it's been since they did that.

Honestly this isn't too bad, though I like the heavy graphics and walk around format, I think they way they went was just too cluttered, I hate to say it repeatedly, but when it comes to video walls, the Europeans do it best

[NBC 5 Chicago 191]

CNN's Plans for Election night:

 

CNN’s deep roster of anchors, correspondents, analysts, and commentators will be out in full force on Election Night. Look for coverage to span multiple platforms, including cable networks CNN and CNN International, as well as the CNN Max streaming service and CNN.com.

The main event begins on Nov. 5 at 4 p.m. with the launch of Election Night in America. (All times Eastern.) Anderson Cooper and Jake Tapper will be co-anchoring coverage from New York City and Washington, D.C. respectively.

Joining the duo are Dana Bash, Erin Burnett, Audie Cornish, and Chris Wallace with additional commentary and analysis. Naturally, John King will once again be stationed at the Magic Wall, surveying the election results as numbers roll in from around the country.

 

Meanwhile, Pamela Brown is holding down the fort at the Voting Desk, where she’ll share turnout information. The Battleground Desk will be manned by David Chalian, who will keep his eyes on the latest exit polling results. Look for Laura Cotes to provide legal insight during the course of the evening, and Boris Sanchez to examine the down-ballot races.

Fresh off her ADWEEK Medaweek appearance, Abby Phillip will be stationed at the headquarters of Vice President Kamala Harris‘ campaign alongside Jeff Zeleny. Meanwhile, Kaitlan Collins will—appropriately enough—be on the ground covering events from the campaign HQ for former President Donald Trump alongside Kristen Holmes.

Additionally, CNN is stationing dozens of anchors in various locations around the country. See the full breakdown below:Arizona: Kyung Lah and Ed Lavandera 
California: Veronica Miracle
Florida: Randi Kaye 
Georgia: Victor Blackwell, Sara Murray, Isabel Rosales, and Nick Valencia
Michigan: Kylie Atwood and Jim Sciutto
Nevada: Jim Acosta and Stephanie Elam
New Hampshire: Gary Tuchman
New York City: Jason Carroll
North Carolina: Brianna Keilar and Miguel Marquez 
Pennsylvania: Kate Bolduan, Danny Freeman, and Brian Todd
Texas: Rosa Flores 
Virginia: René Marsh
Wisconsin: Josh Campbell and Sara Sidner

 

Turning to CNN’s other platforms, CNN International will air the U.S. network’s election coverage starting at midnight on Nov. 5. CNN en Español has its own special election night coverage starting at 5 p.m. led Juan Carlos López and a panel of contributors. In addition, Gus Valdes and Ione Molinares are covering the Harris and Trump campaigns, respectively, while Maria Santana, Gonzalo Alvarado, Ana Maria Mejía, and Rafael Romo will report in from Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Charlotte and Atlanta.

Over on CNN.com, CNN’s Election Center will serve as the digital hub for election coverage and users of the CNN App can interact with their own version of King’s Magic Wall.

[PTVNews 194]

14 hours ago, NBC 5 Chicago said:

CNN's Plans for Election night:

 

CNN’s deep roster of anchors, correspondents, analysts, and commentators will be out in full force on Election Night. Look for coverage to span multiple platforms, including cable networks CNN and CNN International, as well as the CNN Max streaming service and CNN.com.

 

No Wolf on the list!  

[Jase 1047]

15 hours ago, PTVNews said:

 

No Wolf on the list!  

 

There have been rumblings that he's looking to retire. He's close to 80 and has been on CNN for over 35 yrs. (?).  If it's true he won't appear in some capacity on Election Night, he will be missed.

[MediaZone4K 2172]

On 9/25/2024 at 11:11 AM, YourWorldToday said:

Apparently so. It was in Puck News, I think one of Dylan Byers' articles, and it said Wolf is planning on retiring shortly after the inauguration. (As is Lester Holt at NBC)

I'm months late seeing this comment but Lester???! I'll pick this up in the NBC Nightly News thread.

On 11/2/2024 at 6:14 PM, Jase said:

 

There have been rumblings that he's looking to retire. He's close to 80 and has been on CNN for over 35 yrs. (?).  If it's true he won't appear in some capacity on Election Night, he will be missed.

Wolf is iconic. Hard to imagine CNN without him.

Edited November 9, 2024 by MediaZone4K

[NBC 5 Chicago 191]

Wolf is anchoring with Erin Burnette at 12pm eastern today. I know he mentioned I believe in 2022 election that he would slim down election duties. Anderson Cooper and Jake Tapper are the main prime time anchors going forward. They've been the main anchors for all big stories with panels in Washington and New York.

Edited November 5, 2024 by NBC 5 Chicago