Saving CNN

NY Post ^ | August 13, 2012 | MICHAEL SHAIN

[Qbert]

Late night and reality shows in works at news channel

Suffering its worst ratings in 20 years, CNN is going Hollywood.

In the past few weeks, the No. 3 cable news channel has started seeking out reality-show ideas and big-name stars not afraid to talk politics. They have even begun working on a late-night talk show, The Post has learned.

Convinced that its current programming badly needs updating, CNN execs have been making the rounds of Hollywood’s top talent agencies — something entertainment networks do several times a year but a first for the old-line news channel.

In a series of conference calls, the network has also been soliciting ideas from the same producers who supply reality shows to channels like Bravo, Discovery and History, according to sources.

[funfan]

I feel the same as you. I don't watch any news even Fox. I listen to talk radio,Drudge report and Free Republic (which I love) I joke to my husband that one day he will come home from work and the TV will be lying in the middle of the street.

[Average Al]

When you program a new TV does CNN even come up? ;-)

[Caipirabob]

In a series of conference calls, the network has also been soliciting ideas from the same producers who supply reality shows to channels like Bravo

Here it comes:

GAYNN...

[outofsalt]

Great line up! I’d tune in.

[catnipman]

Another show would be “Border Wars”. I’d set up 200 remote cameras (with infrared) at key crossing points along the border, edit all the interesting shots together (day and infrared) and invite local and DC ICE officials, local law enforcement, and local land owners to comment on and give different perspectives about what was being seen. I think the drama would be the local vs. DC perspectives.

The whistle blower show would be named “Deep Throat” and the opening theme music would be a syncopated chorus of police whistles.

[Qwackertoo]

And you could add narration or something from Sheriff Joe.