To some in the TV industry, CNN's exchange of opinionated "advocacy journalist" Lou Dobbs for even-handed anchor John King represents a significant shift -- the triumph of down-the-middle delivery at cable TV's first 24-hour news channel.
King rejected the notion that CNN may be positioning itself for failure by turning away from opinionated, partisan anchoring. "You can have provocative, feisty, fun, compelling conversation with an anchor who is steering, not advocating," said King, a former Associated Press reporter known for his old-school journalism values. He'll be the host of a politically oriented show at 7 p.m. starting early next year.
Still, some experts wonder if King is fooling himself. Armed with ratings showing CNN in fourth place last month behind Fox, MSNBC and sister channel Headline News, they say that viewers have accepted the more partisan tone of some cable-TV news outlets and may even prefer it.
"The audience is saying it wants its political opinions validated by (news coverage) they see on television," said Rich Hanely, an assistant professor of journalism at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn. "CNN wants to play it down the middle, but there is no down the middle in cable-TV news, anymore. The down the middle is entertainment programming or sports."
Indeed, as such pundits as Glenn Beck are hailed as the voice of the GOP and rumors persist that Dobbs might start a new career as a candidate, it seems as if politics and big media have grown closer than ever.
Dobbs resigned abruptly on the air last week after more than 25 years at CNN. And despite protests over Dobbs' pointed views about illegal immigration and other issues, fans have suggested that he consider a run for office, which seems more possible now than ever.
Once upon a time, such former political operatives as George Stephanopoulos and Chris Matthews spent years burnishing their journalism credentials before hosting big shows.
But former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee jumped from running for president to hosting a weekend opinion show on Fox News. And rumors continue that Sarah Palin may land a talk show of her own.
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