CNN Decides It Can Cover Science Without Dedicated Science Reporters

From Curtis Brainard at the CJR Observatory blog:

CNN, the Cable News Network, announced yesterday that it will cut its entire science, technology, and environment news staff, including Miles O’Brien, its chief technology and environment correspondent, as well as six executive producers.

The move seems strange and unfortunate given the ever-increasing role that scientific and technological issues play in shaping political and economic life in the United States.

Brainard rounds up a cohort of experts who are “dishearted” or “baffled” by the decision, particularly given CNN’s own admission that the move came not because the network fell on hard times. In fact, they’re doing just fine. He quotes CNN spokesperson Barbara Levin: “We want to integrate environmental, science and technology reporting into the general editorial structure rather than have a stand alone unit.”

Chris Mooney lamented the economic woes that are depleting the science staffs at newspapers throughout the United States and Canada in a recent column—and in particular the fact that in many instances, newspapers hear not a peep of complaint when they eliminate science coverage.

It should go without saying that science and technology are vital to the health, wealth, safety, and prosperity of everyone. If you think CNN should devote resources to covering those issues, here’s their feedback page.

Tags: Media

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