CNN Chief Instructs Staff to Avoid Harsh Criticism of Trump During Inauguration Coverage

CEO Mark Thompson urged journalists to focus on Trump's second term and avoid relitigating past controversies in an effort to adopt a more neutral tone.

CNN CEO Mark Thompson directed journalists to avoid expressing personal outrage or heavily focusing on Donald Trump's past controversies during his second inauguration coverage.
The guidance, shared in a virtual editorial meeting, emphasized being 'fair-minded' and forward-looking rather than revisiting Trump's legal issues or impeachments.
Thompson's approach marks a shift from CNN's previous leadership under Jeff Zucker, which often took a more confrontational stance toward Trump.
CNN's coverage of the inauguration saw lower television viewership compared to competitors like Fox News, though its digital platforms experienced significant engagement spikes.
This strategic shift aligns with Warner Bros. Discovery's broader directive for CNN to adopt a more neutral tone in its reporting.