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.
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Local News in the Digital Age
- "Local journalism" is a misnomer in the digital age, as any outlet can have national reach.
- The AJC aims to be essential for Atlanta, Georgia, the South, and beyond, given Atlanta's influence.
The NYT Playbook for Local News
- Andrew Morse applied The New York Times' digital innovation playbook at the AJC, focusing on direct relationships with customers.
- This approach involves heavy investment in technology, product development, and analytics.
Understanding Audience and Content
- The AJC's success comes from understanding its audience and providing distinct content.
- This includes focusing on Georgia politics, Black culture (UATL), and potentially SEC football.