CNN's new chief exec offers take on how network covers…

CNN's new chief exec offers take on how network covers politics

The war in Israel and Gaza has been the focus of news outlets since the Hamas surprise attack on Oct. 7.

CNN's new CEO Mark Thompson, who took over Oct. 9, spoke to the network's staff and gave his thoughts on the company's coverage of the war so far, according to the New York Times' Ben Mullin.

"Let's not second-guess ourselves or get distracted by complicated arguments about balance or whataboutism or false equivalency. Let's cover political news proportionally and fairly but not be frightened of our own shadows," Thompson said.

He also reportedly praised his staff for the way they have covered the sudden attack by the Hamas on Israel. And he said that he still has questions in his mind that include trying to understand Hamas and their intentions.

On the editorial call, Mark Thompson offered praise for CNN's coverage of the surprise assault on Israel ("basically great") and said questions in his mind include really trying to "understand Hamas. Who are they?" And what are they exactly trying to get out of this?
— Ben Mullin (@BenMullin) October 9, 2023

CNN has been in the spotlight for its coverage of the war because they are one of only a few media outlets that offer an international reach with correspondents around the world and can bring the news to the eyeballs of Americans.

But considering the surge in mistrust by the general public with media truthfulness and objectivity — particularly against outlets like CNN and Fox News — there are many critical of CNN's coverage. Critics are pointing out that CNN tends to highlight Israel without giving perspective on the side of the Palestinians.

Almost 6 hours of @CNN coverage, not a single Palestinian interviewed, erasure of Palestinian suffering and cheer leading for Israel’s violence. Despicable coverage!
— Dr. Hatem Bazian (@HatemBazian) October 8, 2023

In 2 hours tonight, I watched @CNN's Anderson Cooper interview at least three families of Israelis killed or captured but didn't see even one second's coverage of Palestinians killed. This is how we got into Vietnam and other wars - by lionizing allies and dehumanizing the enemy. https://t.co/xNfzyHb200
— Tim Shorrock (@TimothyS) October 9, 2023

However, there have been some instances where CNN has shed light on the Palestinian perspective — which some critics have highlighted as well — including an interview of Palestinian National Initiative Leader Mustafa Barghouti.

Barghouti mentioned that he is not affiliated with the Hamas, but was still able to give a perspective from the viewpoint of Palestine.

"I think this situation that has evolved is a direct result of the continuation of the longest occupation in modern history. Israeli occupation of Palestinian land since 1967, this is 56 years of occupation, that has transformed into a system of apartheid," Barghouti said on CNN.