OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Former President Donald Trump has issued an ominous warning ahead of a CNN Town Hall he is set to participate in.
The former president posted on his Truth Social account on Tuesday, a day ahead of the town hall hosted by CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins.
“I’ll be doing CNN tomorrow night, LIVE from the Great State of New Hampshire, because they are rightfully desperate to get those fantastic (TRUMP!) ratings once again. They made me a deal I couldn’t refuse!!! Could be the beginning of a New & Vibrant CNN, with no more Fake News, or it could turn into a disaster for all, including me. Let’s see what happens? Wednesday Night at 8:00!!!” he said.
There were many liberals who were furious with CNN for hosting Trump, but Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav defended the decision when he appeared on the CNBC show “Squawk Box” and spoke to Joe Kernan, Mediaite reported.
“Because I want to talk about CNN and I want to talk about the cable news wars and what former President Trump is going to be on CNN?” the host said.
“Yeah, he should be,” the CEO said.
“You should be. You know, you’ve already gotten criticism. Remember what John Malone said. Let’s get some real journalists. Now you try to get some real journalists and you’re getting hit CNN for getting rid of,” the host said.
“CNN has the greatest journalists and the largest group of journalists in the world in in the Ukraine, Poland and Russia. We have over 86 people on the ground. We’re not reporting from a desk,” the CEO said.
“Do you see an opportunity, given what happened at some of your competitors?” the host said, a reference possibly to Fox News host Tucker Carlson being axed at Fox News.
“We have a divided government. Right? We need to hear both voices. That’s what you see. Republicans are on the air on CNN, Democrats are on the air. All voices should be heard,” the CEO said.
RadarOnline.com, quoting analysts, reported that CNN’s rising star, Kaitlin Collins, will have to “thread the needle” in order to pull off a successful townhall-style interview “at St. Anselm College before a live audience of New Hampshire Republicans and undeclared voters.”
Specifically, Collins will have her hands full navigating through Trump’s claims of a rigged 2020 election and appealing to a broader audience than the liberal-leaning network is used to as CEO Chris Licht continues his efforts to rebrand it as a middle-of-the-road outlet to improve overall viewership numbers.
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Trump may be a big help to Licht in achieving that goal — or not, depending on how Collins does, say insiders and media analysts.
“Collins will have to very delicately thread a needle between challenging Trump on his conspiratorial bulls–t and moderating a town hall discussion that avoids a trainwreck,” wrote Mediaite reporter Colby Hall before framing the challenge facing Collins, who covered Trump’s term in office for CNN as a White House correspondent before taking a morning show gig alongside former network primetime host Don Lemon, who was fired last month, and Poppy Harlow.
“Interviewing a controversial and polarizing character is an almost impossible job: no matter how tough you are on the subject, some critics will say you gave that person a pass,” Hall continued.
“Conversely, being too tough on a subject can torpedo an interview if done without enough discipline,” Hall added.
RadarOnline.com reported further:
Next week’s interview with Trump will also be a “big deal” for Licht because it will not only mark the first time Trump has appeared on CNN since his 2016 presidential campaign, but it comes as Licht works to move the network away from the “partisan theatrics” CNN “became known for” under Licht’s predecessor, Jeff Zucker.
Collins’ upcoming Q&A with the former president will not be the first time she is faced with an interview “high-wire act.”
Last week, the rising CNN star was tasked with confronting Dr. Anthony Fauci over his claims that the national Covid-19 mask mandate did not protect nearly as many Americans as initially believed.
Hall added: “Fortune favors the bold, and both Trump and CNN could use a little fortune at the moment.”
