CNN boss says network overhaul only 50% complete.

CNN CEO Chris Licht is on a mission to renovate the network and bring it back to objective journalism. In a recent profile by The Atlantic, Licht discussed his efforts to woo back Republicans and fire left-wing hosts who were “off mission.” He believes that giving a platform to Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, is crucial to understanding the country.

A “Down-the-Middle Mantra”

Licht has adopted a “down-the-middle mantra” to differentiate CNN from the extremes of Fox News and MSNBC. He wants the network to have “no agenda other than the truth.” Licht’s moderate positions have satisfied few people, however, and his employees are reportedly in open revolt.

Open to Conservative and Moderate Ideas

Licht has shown that he is more open to conservative and moderate ideas than CNN’s previous leadership. He blasted former network president Jeff Zucker’s coverage ban of the COVID-19 lab-leak theory, which multiple U.S. government agencies have since validated.

Objective Journalism

Licht believes that there has to be a source of absolute truth and that CNN must be that source. He is doing the right thing by refocusing the network on objective journalism, even if it means upsetting some of his employees and viewers.

• Licht fired left-wing hosts who were “off mission.”
• He wants to woo back Republicans and differentiate CNN from the extremes of Fox News and MSNBC.
• Licht is more open to conservative and moderate ideas than CNN’s previous leadership.
• He believes that there has to be a source of absolute truth and that CNN must be that source.

Despite the backlash, Licht is committed to his mission. “There has to be something that you’re able to look at and go, ‘They have no agenda other than the truth,'” he said.