CNN Capitalizes On Capitalizing On Tragedy

Story by Emily Wilson 

| Published Feb 1, 2011

CNN’s Anderson Cooper took a minute on last nights AC 360 to express his dismay at TMZ’s coverage of Charlie Sheen’s recent hospitalization.

“It’s truly a sad day in America when a man who is so clearly in need of help is used to create a profit,” Cooper said as the projector screen behind him flashed a slew of pictures of Sheen posing with several adult film stars.

“It doesn’t stop at celebrity gossip. Last week, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders wrote a letter to his supporters addressing the shootings in Arizona and in the same paragraph made a pug for contributions for his 2012 reelection campaign. If he had really just wanted to write a letter to his constituents that would be just fine but mixing it with a grab for cash? Common? If you want to donate to the victims of the Arizona shootings, stay tuned to AC360 for more information at the end of the program.”

CNN experienced a 175% jump in viewership in the days after the Tucson shootings. However, as Ted Turner, founder of CNN points out, the goal of the network is not to capitalize on tragedy.

“As a 24-hour news network, we’re responsible for filling air time with the biggest stories; and if that means showing the footage of The Colombia Space Shuttle exploding in midair over and over and over again, then we strive to do that with journalistic integrity. We don’t like disaster, but it sells air time and that’s what the business is all about.” said Turner, who checked his Black Berry and then added, “oh, and to keep the public informed.”

Amy Welsh, a CNN newsroom writer, explained how she creates stories without the sensationalism.

“I think of the most intriguing leads for our anchors to hook the viewers with, while still keeping the essence of the story in mind,” said Welsh. "Like, there was a new species of Panda discovered in South East Asia, so if I went with something like “Scientist Discover Man-Eating Bear....Who Will Kill You With Cuteness,” then Wolf Blitzer is a lot more likely to put a gold star on the bulletin board next to my name.”