Tag: CNN

The Fate Of CNN

by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner

With the gradual — or maybe not so gradual — switch to streaming, things that simply were not fathomable are now very real: something big is going to happen to CNN soon.

It’s possible that CNN could either merge with MSNBC (MSNOW) or — gulp — be bought by some right wing plutocrat. The point is, CNN as I knew it for 30 years or more could change in a rather dramatic fashion pretty soon.

It’s really interesting that cable is going through such a dramatic transformation. But, here we are. Everything is going to streaming and one day even CNN could be exclusively a streaming service.

And, yet, there is another option — it could be that CNN will become an AI agent. Here’s how it would work: everyone would have an “anchor” agent who would draw upon specialists in this or that field.

CNN might be a service you subscribe to, but a number of different specialist AI agents that you subscribe to a la carte.

Or something. Something like that.

The point is, CNN as we know it may not escape the AI revolution in ways that we have yet to understand.

The Future of News Media in an AI-Driven World

The ongoing challenges facing cable news networks like CNN and MSNBC have sparked considerable debate about the future of broadcast journalism. While these discussions may seem abstract to many, they point to fundamental questions about how news consumption will evolve in an increasingly digital landscape.

The Print Media Model as a Blueprint

One potential solution for struggling cable news networks involves a strategic repositioning toward the editorial standards and depth associated with premier print publications. Rather than competing in the increasingly fragmented cable television space, networks could transform themselves into direct competitors to established outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. This approach would emphasize investigative journalism, in-depth analysis, and editorial rigor over the real-time commentary that has come to define cable news.

The AI Revolution and Information Consumption

However, this traditional media transformation strategy faces a significant technological disruption. Assuming current artificial intelligence development continues without hitting insurmountable technical barriers—and barring the emergence of artificial superintelligence—we may be approaching a paradigm shift in how individuals consume information entirely.

Within the next few years, large language models (LLMs) could become standard components of smartphone operating systems, functioning as integrated firmware rather than separate applications. This development would fundamentally alter the information landscape, replacing traditional web browsing with AI-powered “Knowledge Navigators” that curate and deliver personalized content directly to users.

The End of the App Economy

This technological shift would have far-reaching implications beyond news media. The current app-based mobile ecosystem could face obsolescence as AI agents become the primary interface between users and digital content. Rather than downloading individual applications for specific functions, users would interact with comprehensive AI systems capable of handling diverse information and entertainment needs.

Emerging Opportunities and Uncertainties

The transition to an AI-mediated information environment presents both challenges and opportunities. Traditional news delivery mechanisms may give way to AI agents that could potentially compete with or supplement personal AI assistants. These systems might present alternative perspectives or specialized expertise, creating new models for news distribution and consumption.

The economic implications of this transformation are substantial. Organizations that successfully navigate the shift from traditional media to AI-integrated platforms stand to capture significant value in this emerging market. However, the speculative nature of these developments means that many experimental approaches—regardless of their initial promise—may ultimately fail to achieve sustainable success.

Conclusion

The future of news media lies at the intersection of technological innovation and evolving consumer preferences. While the specific trajectory remains uncertain, the convergence of AI technology and mobile computing suggests that traditional broadcast and digital media models will face unprecedented disruption. Success in this environment will likely require fundamental reimagining of how news organizations create, distribute, and monetize content in an AI-driven world.

Contemplating The Fate Of CNN

By Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner

It appears as though the cable business is imploding and as such, both CNN and MSNBC are being spun off into new “spincos.” This raises and interesting question — given the prestige of CNN’s brand, it seems very possible that some plutocrat will want to buy it.

The most obvious buyer is Elon Musk. And, yet, he’s not on the greatest of terms with the Trump regime at the moment so…lulz? But I just can imagine that CNN will be on the block for too long before someone will gobble it up and turn it into their own, bespoke political outlet one way or another.

Pondering The Future of CNN

With Warner Bros. Discovery announcing its decision to split into two distinct entities, a significant question arises regarding the future of CNN. This restructuring prompts consideration of how the newly formed SpinCo from Warner Bros. Discovery, which will include CNN, might align with the SpinCo being separated from NBCUniversal—a unit that encompasses MSNBC. The potential merger of these two SpinCo entities within the local cable landscape is a plausible scenario.

However, regulatory challenges cast doubt on the feasibility of such a consolidation. Given these constraints, it appears increasingly likely that either CNN or MSNBC could eventually be acquired by an external party. Among the most prominent candidates is Elon Musk, whose financial resources, strategic interests, and past acquisition patterns position him as a potential buyer.

Musk possesses the financial capacity, a clear motive driven by his influence in media and technology, and the opportunity to pursue such a purchase. Nevertheless, his recent estrangement from Donald Trump introduces uncertainty about the political and regulatory feasibility of such a move. The evolving dynamics of this situation will undoubtedly warrant close observation as developments unfold.

The Future of TV and TV News In The Post-AI Agent Era

ok, what happens to video media? would your AI Agent call up snippets for you to look at our would AI Agents replace TV news altogether? and what about TV entertainment in this context? would you still watch TV or am I missing something

You’re asking excellent questions that get to the heart of how fundamental these changes will be. Video media, including both news and entertainment, will be profoundly impacted by the rise of AI agents and the shift to an XR-driven cyberspace. Here’s a breakdown of the likely transformations:

Video News in the Age of AI Agents:

  • Death of the “Evening News” Broadcast: The traditional model of a scheduled news program, presenting a pre-selected package of stories, becomes largely irrelevant. AI agents offer personalized, on-demand information, tailored to the user’s specific interests and needs.
  • Snippets and Summaries: AI agents will likely not call up full-length news videos by default. Instead, they’ll prioritize efficiency and conciseness. They might:
    • Generate short video summaries, combining key visuals and audio with AI-generated narration.
    • Extract relevant snippets from longer videos, presenting only the portions that directly address the user’s query.
    • Provide text summaries with links to the full video sources for those who want more detail.
    • Create AI-generated avatars that deliver the news.
  • Multiple Perspectives: Agents could synthesize information from multiple news sources, presenting different perspectives on the same event. This could involve showing short clips from different news channels, alongside analysis of their biases and reporting styles.
  • Interactive News Experiences: XR opens up possibilities for immersive news experiences. Users could “step into” a news event through a 3D reconstruction, explore interactive data visualizations, or even participate in virtual “roundtables” with AI representations of experts.
  • Verification and Source Transparency: AI agents will play a crucial role in verifying the authenticity and reliability of video news sources. They might flag potential deepfakes, highlight biased reporting, and provide information about the source’s ownership and funding.
  • On-demand and ultra-niche. People will ask for specific video content, and AI Agents will find it or create it.

Video Entertainment in the Age of AI Agents:

  • The End of “Channel Surfing”: The concept of passively flipping through channels becomes obsolete. Users will actively request specific types of entertainment, and their AI agents will find or even create it.
  • Hyper-Personalization: AI agents will learn user preferences in extreme detail, predicting what they’ll enjoy with incredible accuracy. This goes far beyond current recommendation algorithms.
  • Interactive and Participatory Entertainment: XR opens up possibilities for truly interactive video entertainment. Users could:
    • Influence the plot of a movie or TV show through their choices.
    • “Step into” a virtual world and interact with characters.
    • Participate in virtual concerts or sporting events.
    • Collaborate with others to create shared entertainment experiences.
  • AI-Generated Content: AI could become a major creator of video entertainment. It could:
    • Generate entire movies or TV shows based on user prompts.
    • Create personalized variations of existing content, tailoring it to individual preferences.
    • Generate virtual actors and environments, reducing the cost of production.
  • “Binge-Watching” Redefined: AI agents could curate personalized “playlists” of video content, optimizing for the user’s available time, mood, and interests. The concept of a fixed-length episode or movie might become less relevant.
  • Rise of the short clip. Agents may deliver short-form video to satisfy many entertainment needs.

Will We Still “Watch TV”?

The concept of “watching TV” will likely evolve significantly. The traditional model of a passive, linear experience will be replaced by a more active, interactive, and personalized approach. We’ll still consume video content, but the way we consume it, and the form that content takes, will be radically different.

  • “TV” as a Personalized, On-Demand Service: The “television” might become a personalized, on-demand entertainment and information hub, powered by AI agents.
  • XR Integration: Video content will be seamlessly integrated into the XR environment, allowing for immersive and interactive viewing experiences.
  • Blurring of Lines: The lines between movies, TV shows, video games, and other forms of digital entertainment will blur, as AI enables new forms of interactive and personalized storytelling.

You’re Not Missing Something – You’re Spotting the Trend:

You’re absolutely right to question the future of traditional video media. The changes we’re discussing represent a fundamental shift in how media is created, consumed, and monetized. It’s a move away from passive consumption towards active participation, from mass broadcasting towards hyper-personalization, and from fixed formats towards fluid, AI-driven experiences. It’s a future where “watching TV” means something very different from what it does today. The very idea of scheduled programming makes little sense when content can be summoned and created at will.

so, you’re suggesting that TV news like CNN won’t exist because your agent will serve that purpose?

Yes, precisely, but with a few important caveats. CNN, as it currently exists – a 24/7 cable news channel with scheduled programming and a specific editorial viewpoint – will likely become obsolete in a world dominated by personalized AI agents. However, the underlying functions that CNN provides – gathering, verifying, and reporting news – will still be essential, but the delivery mechanism and the business model will change dramatically.

Here’s a more nuanced breakdown:

Why CNN (as we know it) Won’t Exist:

  • No More Scheduled Programming: AI agents provide information on demand, tailored to the user’s immediate needs and interests. The concept of tuning in to a specific channel at a specific time to watch a pre-packaged news program becomes irrelevant.
  • Personalization Trumps Broadcasting: CNN broadcasts the same content to everyone, regardless of their individual interests. An AI agent curates information specifically for one user, filtering out what’s irrelevant and prioritizing what’s important to them.
  • Agent as Gatekeeper: Users won’t be directly exposed to CNN’s editorial choices or presentation style. Their AI agent will be the intermediary, pulling information from multiple sources and presenting it in a (presumably) neutral and objective way.
  • Competition from Aggregation: AI agents can synthesize information from a vast range of sources, potentially including local news outlets, independent journalists, citizen journalists, and even social media (with appropriate verification and fact-checking). CNN loses its “monopoly” on delivering video news.

How CNN (or its Successor) Might Exist:

  • “CNN API” – A Source of Verified Information: CNN could transform into a provider of high-quality, verified news data, accessible through an API. AI agents would query this API to retrieve information on specific events or topics. This would require a shift from a broadcast model to a data-licensing model.
  • “CNN Studios” – Creating XR News Experiences: CNN could leverage its expertise in video production to create immersive XR news experiences. Instead of watching a traditional news report, users could “step into” the story, explore interactive data visualizations, or participate in virtual discussions. This would require a significant investment in XR technology and a shift in storytelling approach.
  • “CNN Investigations” – A Premium Service: CNN could focus on in-depth investigative journalism, offering access to its exclusive reporting and analysis through a premium subscription or microtransaction model. This would cater to users who value high-quality, original reporting.
  • “CNN Brand” – A Mark of Trust: CNN’s brand recognition and reputation for (relatively) reliable reporting could become a valuable asset. AI agents might be programmed to prioritize information from trusted sources like CNN, even if that information is more expensive to access. This requires maintaining a high level of journalistic integrity and adapting to the evolving standards of AI-mediated information verification.
  • “CNN AI” – An AI News Agent: CNN could create it’s own AI agent that specializes in news delivery.
  • “CNN Training Data”: CNN’s vast video archive could become valuable training data.

The Key Shift: From Broadcaster to Data Provider/Experience Creator

The fundamental change is that CNN (and other traditional news organizations) will likely shift from being broadcasters of news to being providers of news data and/or creators of specialized news experiences. They will compete in a much more fragmented and competitive landscape, where AI agents are the primary distributors of information.

The Future is Unbundled:

Think of it like the music industry. We used to buy albums (pre-packaged collections of songs). Now, we stream individual songs on demand. Similarly, we used to “tune in” to news channels. In the future, we’ll “query” our AI agents for specific information, and they’ll assemble that information from a variety of sources, potentially including snippets of video from what used to be CNN. The “news bundle” is unbundled, and the individual components (facts, analysis, video clips, etc.) become the primary units of consumption.

So, yes, CNN as a 24/7 cable news channel will likely disappear. But the core journalistic functions it performs will still be needed, and the organization could adapt and thrive in a new form, serving AI agents rather than directly serving viewers in the traditional sense.

so you’re saying that while CNN and other TV news channels will gather information, they probably won’t present the information in a linear form to viewers because their Websites will be API in nature

Yes, you’ve nailed it. That’s the core of the prediction.

Traditional linear presentation (like a live TV news broadcast or even a curated website homepage) becomes largely irrelevant in an AI-agent-driven world. Here’s a recap of why, and what replaces it:

Why Linear Presentation Fades:

  • AI Agents Prioritize On-Demand Information: Users don’t passively receive a pre-determined flow of information. They actively request specific information, and their AI agent retrieves it.
  • Personalization is Key: Each user has unique interests and needs. A linear broadcast, by definition, cannot be personalized to every individual viewer.
  • Efficiency and Conciseness: AI agents are designed to be efficient. They won’t force a user to sit through a 30-minute news program to get the 5 minutes of information they actually care about.
  • Aggregation from Multiple Sources: AI agents don’t rely on a single source like CNN. They pull information from many sources, synthesize it, and present the most relevant parts.

What Replaces Linear Presentation (Website as API):

  • Structured Data: Instead of crafting articles and videos for human consumption, news organizations like CNN will focus on creating highly structured data about news events. This data will be tagged, categorized, and optimized for AI agent consumption. Think:
    • Who, what, where, when, why, and how of each event.
    • Links to source materials (videos, documents, etc.).
    • Contextual information (historical background, related events).
    • Multiple perspectives on the event.
    • Fact-checking and verification information.
  • API Access: This structured data will be made available through APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). AI agents will query these APIs to retrieve the specific information their users need.
  • Microtransactions/Subscriptions (for API access): News organizations might charge AI agents (or the services that control them) for access to their APIs. This could be a per-query fee, a subscription for unlimited access, or a tiered system based on the depth and quality of information.
  • XR Experiences (Separate from the API): As mentioned before, news organizations could also create immersive XR experiences related to news events. These would likely be separate from the core API data feed and might be monetized differently (e.g., through subscriptions or one-off purchases). But these XR experiences wouldn’t be the primary way people get their news; they’d be supplementary.
  • AI-Generated Summaries and Snippets: The AI Agent may pull raw video, but more likely, the news organization would offer short-form summaries and snippets.

The Analogy: From Library to Database

Think of it like this:

  • Traditional TV News: Like a library, where information is organized in a pre-determined way (books on shelves, newspapers in racks). You have to browse and search to find what you need.
  • AI-Agent-Driven News: Like a highly structured database. You submit a precise query, and the database returns exactly the information you requested, instantly.

CNN’s “website” would essentially become the interface to this database, designed for AI agents, not human users. The “front end” for human users would be their AI agent (and whatever interface it uses – voice, XR, etc.).

In short: The news organization’s primary role shifts from presenting information in a linear format to providing structured data that AI agents can use to create personalized, on-demand news experiences for their users. The website, as a user-facing entity, becomes much less important, replaced by the API as the primary point of interaction.

You’ve grasped the core concepts exceptionally well. However, there are a few subtle but important points, potential implications, and counterarguments that are worth considering to round out the picture. Here’s what you might be missing, or at least what deserves deeper consideration:

1. The Role of Human Curation (Even in an AI World):

  • The Nuance: While AI agents will handle the delivery and personalization of information, there will likely still be a role for human judgment and curation, even if it’s behind the scenes.
  • The “Why”:
    • Editorial Judgment: Deciding what constitutes “news” in the first place, identifying important trends, and framing complex issues still require human judgment. AI can aggregate data, but it can’t (yet) fully replicate the nuanced understanding of a seasoned journalist.
    • Ethical Considerations: Ensuring fairness, accuracy, and avoiding bias in the information provided to AI agents requires human oversight.
    • Contextualization: Providing the necessary background and context for understanding complex events often requires human expertise.
  • The Implication: News organizations might employ human editors to curate “meta-feeds” or “topic packages” that AI agents can then draw upon. This is a level of curation above the individual data points, but still below the level of a traditional broadcast.

2. The Potential for Filter Bubbles and Echo Chambers (Amplified):

  • The Nuance: AI agents, while striving for personalization, could inadvertently create even stronger filter bubbles than we see today. If an agent only shows a user information that confirms their existing biases, it could lead to increased polarization and a decreased understanding of opposing viewpoints.
  • The “Why”: AI algorithms are trained on data, and that data often reflects existing societal biases. If an agent learns that a user prefers a certain type of news or opinion, it might over-optimize for that preference, excluding dissenting voices.
  • The Implication: There will be a need for mechanisms to ensure that AI agents provide a balanced and diverse range of information, even if it challenges the user’s existing beliefs. This could involve regulatory oversight, ethical guidelines for AI development, or user-controlled settings that prioritize diversity of sources.

3. The “Serendipity” Factor:

  • The Nuance: Traditional media (newspapers, magazines, even browsing websites) often expose us to information we didn’t know we were looking for. This “serendipity” can lead to new discoveries, broadened perspectives, and intellectual growth. AI agents, optimized for efficiency and relevance, might inadvertently limit this serendipitous discovery.
  • The “Why”: Agents are designed to give us what we ask for, not what we might find interesting.
  • The Implication: There might be a need for AI agents to incorporate a “serendipity mode” or to offer curated “discovery feeds” that introduce users to new topics and perspectives outside their usual comfort zone.

4. The Economic Implications for Journalism:

  • The Nuance: The shift to an API-driven, AI-mediated news landscape will have profound economic consequences for journalism. The traditional advertising model is shattered, and the new models (API access fees, XR experiences, etc.) are unproven.
  • The “Why”: If news organizations can’t find sustainable ways to monetize their work in this new environment, the quality and quantity of journalism could decline.
  • The Implication: There might be a need for new funding models for journalism, such as public funding, philanthropic support, or direct user payments (microtransactions, subscriptions to “insight premiums”). The role of non-profit news organizations might also become more prominent.

5. The Power Dynamics of AI Agent Control:

  • The Nuance: Who controls the AI agents? Who sets their algorithms? Who determines what information they prioritize? These are crucial questions with significant societal implications.
  • The “Why”: If a small number of tech companies control the dominant AI agents, they could wield enormous power over the flow of information, potentially shaping public opinion and influencing elections.
  • The Implication: There will be a need for transparency and accountability in the development and deployment of AI agents. There might also be a need for regulations to prevent monopolies and ensure a diverse ecosystem of AI agents with different priorities and perspectives. There may be calls for decentralized, open-source AI agents.

6. The Evolution of “Truth” and Trust:

  • The Nuance: In a world of AI-generated content and deepfakes, verifying the authenticity and trustworthiness of information will become even more challenging.
  • The Why: It will become easier to create realistic-looking but completely false video and audio content.
  • The Implication: Blockchain, digital watermarks and robust, perhaps decentralized, verification systems will be critical. The importance of “brand” for media sources that provide a “stamp of authenticity” will be paramount.

7. The Human Element Remains.

  • The Nuance: Even with the most advanced AI, some people will still desire a human connection to their information, to storytelling, to get a particular “take.”
  • The Why: Humans may trust another human more than they trust an AI.
  • The Implication: We may see personalities become an important part of the media landscape, even if they don’t have a linear TV show.

In summary, while you’ve grasped the core disruption that AI agents will bring to media, it’s important to remember that the transition will be complex, with both opportunities and challenges. The future of information will be shaped not just by technology, but also by ethical considerations, economic forces, and societal choices. The points above highlight some of the key areas where further thought and debate are needed.

The Looming Disruption Of The News Media By AI

by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner

In the near term, it is possible to imagine a scenario where far more of news media could be consumed by AI than one might think. In real terms, one could imagine a scenario whereby the only reporting that is actually done by humans is that which requires a physical body.

And even that will be done in the context of a ticking clock.

It’s not too difficult to imagine a situation whereby all the faces on CNN are AI generated and they actually interview humans on screen. The more you think about that possibility and its implications, the more profound it grows.

This disruption could happen far sooner than any of us might otherwise imagine. It could be that within 10 years, lulz, very few humans will actually be involved in new gathering or distribution.

But, I can’t predict the future. Who knows.

Will The New York Times & CNN Websites Soon Become Indistinguishable?

by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner

The conventional wisdom at the moment, which I think makes a lot of sense, is that soon all the major news Websites will essentially do the same thing — be something along the lines of CNN’s Website. They will feature a lot of video — even if they’re the Website for a print newspaper.

Now, remember, the times they are a changing and all of this should be seen in the context of the rise of AI.

Soon enough, lulz, AI will eat the Web to the point that rather than passively read Websites via a browser, we will simply ask our digital personal assistant to tell us the news — and maybe display news via our XR vizor display that we’re wearing.

It definitely seems as though everything we know about media is about to be upended very, very quickly. And, what’s more remember the fucking Fourth Turning may be happening as all of this is going on, so we won’t be able to enjoy any cool AI shit until, well, we’re done totally and completely re-arranging the world order for various dumb reasons including “vibes.”

Anyway. It will be interesting to see what happens next, I suppose.

What’s The Matter With CNN?

by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner

It seems to me that the crux of problem with CNN is there is No Center. One side wants me to believe the sky is green while the other side sees that the sky is blue.

Pick a side, CNN. Or a side will be chosen for you.

If they went all-in with MAGA, then they would be really popular. If they went all-in with anti-MAGA, they would be popular. But this issue of trying to play it straight down the middle is bulshit.

Things fall apart. There is no middle. Any attempt to square the circle of modern American politics by doing such a thing is a fool’s errand. Get with the program. CNN needs to accept that Blue and Red are receding away from each other at an alarming rate.

If they keep trying to place themselves in “the center” they’re just going to be fools. Like I said — pick a fucking side. Only by doing that, CNN, will you find any success. I’m serious. You’re fooling yourself to think there is some magical “center” you can reside in that will make you respected by both sides.

It just isn’t going to happen.

Make up your mind one way or another.

The Case For Selling CNN

by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner

Usually, when people start to talk about a media property being for sale and you have to deny it — that means said media property is for sale. So, apparently, there is some chatter surrounding CNN.

Let’s see what the case would be selling it.

Its current owner, Warner Bros Discovery has a massive amount of debt. And it’s pretty easy to imagine a bidding war over CNN if it was put up for sale. Instead of the estimated $1 billion, CNN might sell for $3 or $4 billion.

But question is, who would have the means, motive and opportunity to buy it and why?

My first guess is someone like Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk. Remember, the United States’ democracy has one foot in the grave, and as such, our new autocratic state sure would like CNN under the ownership of someone like Musk who would probably turn it into a Fox News clone. Meanwhile, if Bezos owns it, he could do something with it and The Washington Post.

Then, of course, there are a few women billionaires who might be interested in buying CNN. Everyone from Laurene Powell Job to MacKenzie Scott might want to buy CNN.

In a sense, CNN is the TV equivalent of The New York Times when it comes to a name brand news property that everyone assumed would never be for sale. I have my doubts that Rupert Murdoch could get his hands on CNN, but I could see our new autocrat President Ron DeSantis allowing some sort of other crazed conservative plutocrat to serve as Murdoch’s proxy.

Anyway.

The Media Football That Is CNN

by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner

Given that Warner Bros. Discovery has some $50 billion in debt, the company is going to face a lot of pressure to not just cut costs but to merge again. And to me at least, the ideal company for WBD to merge with is NBCUniversal.

But by definition, doing this throws the fate of CNN up in the air because of the obvious existence of MSNBC. The only way the two companies could pass anti-trust concerns would be CNN being sold off.

There are a number of different scenarios one could think of as to the fate CNN. One possibility is some MAGA plutocrat buys it and turns it into a Fox News clone. Another is someone like Jeff Bezos buys it and makes it his play thing along with the Washington Post.

Then, there is the possibility that Elon Musk could swoop in and buy CNN. Remember, CNN was built upon the ego of Ted Turner. So, it would be a return to its origins for it to be the plaything of something like Musk.

But the key thing you have to remember is, given how important CNN remains to be, there’s a good chance that it’s current drift towards MAGA is going to accelerate.