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The Grill Room

What the Hell Happened to CNN+?

Dec 3, 2024
Andrew Morse, CEO of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and former digital chief of CNN, shares insights from his extensive media career. He discusses the unceremonious cancellation of CNN+ and what it reveals about challenges in the news landscape. Morse also reflects on his clashes with CNN's leadership and the necessity for a direct-to-consumer model. He emphasizes revitalizing local journalism by investing in quality content and technology to engage diverse audiences, all while navigating the complexities of today’s media environment.
54:16

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is leveraging successful digital strategies from larger outlets like the New York Times to enhance local journalism's relevance.
  • Strong leadership and collaboration between business and editorial functions are essential for adapting to the rapidly changing media landscape.

Deep dives

The Importance of Local Journalism in a Digital Era

Local journalism has shifted in significance, with many traditional outlets struggling to maintain relevance amid a competitive national media landscape. The focus for successful local journalism lies in understanding and addressing the unique needs of a community, leveraging strengths like local politics, culture, and significant events to engage broader audiences. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution aims to serve as an essential resource for its local and regional readership, recognizing that Atlanta's influence extends well beyond its city limits due to its cultural and political relevance. By addressing the needs of diverse communities, local journalism can thrive even as larger outlets dominate the digital space.

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