Why CNN’s Demise is Accelerating
3/24/20261 hr 43 min
Is the problem bad messaging—or is it something deeper? When legacy media starts copying podcasters and still can’t win back trust, what does that tell you? The fellas—Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook—get into it as they break down a media landscape that’s clearly shifting, a government fight that’s hitting real people, and a growing gap between what’s being said… and what’s actually happening. From CNN experimenting with a more “authentic” look to ongoing fallout from DHS funding issues, the conversation keeps circling back to one thing: credibility. And if audiences don’t trust what they’re hearing anymore… where do they go? In this episode… CNN tests new formats but struggles with audience trust DHS funding fight impacts TSA workers and travelers Hack Madness returns and spotlights media figures Cuba debate highlights contrast between messaging and reality PLUS, A BAR BUILT TO “MONITOR THE SITUATION”… WITH NO WORKING SCREENS?! We also sit down with Senator Bill Cassidy for a grounded look at what’s happening in Washington and how it’s affecting everyday Americans. Special Guest: Senator Bill Cassidy • DHS funding and TSA disruptions ✈️ • Healthcare affordability and policy priorities 🏥 • Stop Insider Trading Act in Congress 💼 • Louisiana Senate race and voter concerns 🇺🇸 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Clips
Showing 10 of 12Transcript preview
First 90 secondsComfortably Smug· Host0:00
At CNN, we derive inspiration from losers [laughs] And it shows The vast majority of Americans who are plugged in, who care about day-to-day events, are listening to stuff like we're doing here, not CNN.
Josh Holmes· Host0:13
And that is, the graph looks like that.
Comfortably Smug· Host0:16
Those legacy media companies like CNN lost all the trust of their audience.
Josh Holmes· Host0:21
I think the problem ultimately is that, like we've talked about here, it's all just a gimmick.
Comfortably Smug· Host0:25
Jake Tapper was one of the foremost people trying to cover for Biden, and then when Biden loses, writes a book about how, like, Biden shouldn't have been running. Like, that's how you lose faith in your audience.
Josh Holmes· Host0:36
[bell dings] According to a report from Senator Grassley's office, UnitedHealth Group, the nation's largest insurer, quote, "appears to be gaming the Medicare Advantage system, siphoning off taxpayer money to turn a steep profit." Experts say practices like these are increasing overall Medicare spending, which in turn raises Part B premiums for everyone on Medicare. That means millions of seniors, many living on fixed incomes, are paying hundreds of dollars more each year for the Medicare they need, adding up to billions in higher costs for seniors. And that's in addition to the trillions of dollars that taxpayers have already paid big insurance. It's a clear example of big insurance putting profits ahead of patients, taxpayers, and seniors. Learn more about how Congress needs to rein in big insurance at AmericansForOpenGovernment.com.