CNN Comments 10

10.28.2001

Not much news this month, but here are my monthly comments...

Afghan Follies

• CNN got kicked out of Afghanistan early on in "America's New War."
• Fox steals Steve Harrigan away from CNN.
• CNN returns to Afghanistan.
• CNN looses exclusive rights to Al Jazeera footage as ABC inks deal with the Mid-Eastern broadcaster.
• Bomb fragments and debris rock CNN office in Afghanistan.
• CNN submits 6 prepared questions to Asama bin Laden for a taped response, which is considered by a few as an all time low for the network - CNN is trying to score a ratings coup - paving the way for bin Laden to spew his propaganda and rhetoric.

New Graphics
CNN rolled out its new on screen graphics in the beginning of the month. The banner on the bottom has been lowered slightly giving the CNN logo a more prominent look. In addition, the segment title texts are a bit louder and bigger, but in good taste. The stock ticker fits well just over the logo too. And, it is cool now that the US flag has been properly integrated with the bottom banner. It is very sweet. What I find a little uneasy is the new "Live" bug in the top right-hand corner - it is a little flashy and distracting. In contrast to CNN International's graphics, I prefer CNN/US', as CNNI's are too simplistic and subdued.

Newsroom Changes
A few weeks ago, the Atlanta newsroom got a little facelift. I have noticed that the computers are lined up differently and the desks feature new lamps. Plus there are a few subtle and minor changes. (Thanks to David Glass for pointing this out.)

Wartime Coverage
The folks from ET joined the gang at CNN. They did a feature on the network's coverage of "America's New War." I missed the segment, but anyway here is a link to ET's online report: Wartime Coverage [no more]. The page includes video of Aaron Brown and Bill Hemmer.

Daybreak
Daryn Kagan and Leon Harris are finally reunited anchoring CNN Daybreak (5:00 AM ET - 7:00 AM ET). I am very pleased by this but also very peeved. What I like about this arrangement is two of my favorite CNN anchors are together at the same time slot, but the time is just TOO EARLY for me on the West Coast. I am a huge fan of CNN, but watching it at 2:00 AM Pacific is plain ridiculous. As much as I hate taping live news - live news should be watched live - it looks like I might have to program my VCR. "sigh"

Anyway, I found something interesting months ago that is finally relevant today: "Can't you see "CNN Live This Morning's" Daryn Kagan staring moony-eyed at Leon Harris and telling him after he finishes reading the teleprompter, "My skin tingles whenever you say 'Taliban.'"" (A new, glitzier CNN. Oh, lordy me. - By Andrew Wallenstein, April 27, 2001)

Old Times
In another reunion of sorts, Daryn Kagan, Bill Hemmer and Christine Romans were talking stocks last week between the 10:00 AM ET - 12:00 PM ET news block. It felt like old times on "Morning News." I miss those days when CNN had a more stable schedule...

Title Changes
"Evans, Novak, Hunt & Shields" is now called, "Novak, Hunt & Shields." I find the title switch a bit troubling, as CNN does not seem to honor its dead. Evans passed away earlier this year. "Evans, Novak, Hunt & Shields" has been a long running staple at CNN and was really created around Rowland Evans and Robert Novak, while Al Hunt and Mark Shields joined years later. It appears that CNN has a complete disregard to one of its shows founders by removing his name from its title. Rowland Evans deserves to be included with "Novak, Hunt & Shields," at least posthumously.

Aaron Brown's new newscast is simply named, "Aaron Brown." Well, this really is a no-brainer choice but not very original. It is a pity that CNN cannot think up a better name for its flagship newscast.

Bay Watch III
Willow Bay is slowly making her way back onto CNN. She once hosted "CNN Presents" and has started work on "Pinnacle," which airs 3:30 PM ET Saturdays and 7:30 AM ET Sundays. (Times subject to change).

Weather
CNN's weather crew is finally alive and kicking after a brief hiatus. Dave Hennen, Chad Myers and Jill Brown are getting regular shifts. Also, Jacqui Jeras has returned to active duty from maternity leave. It is great seeing her again.

Missing In Action
Colleen McEdwards and Carol Lin. God, I have not seen them in weeks... "sigh"

Survivor 4
Yep, that is right. A while ago, Headline News used the tag line "Survivor 4" while giving its report on the upcoming season of the hit reality show. Problem is there is no "Survivor 4" playing on the air - there is only "Survivor 3!" Can't these idiots at HLN count?! Even the anchor at the time was reading this gibberish. These people are truly the weakest links and should be voted off during the next round of layoffs!