The coronavirus pandemic was the best thing to happen to CNN since Donald Trump.
What drama! What fear! What potential for ratings! Rarely has the old journalism aphorism “if it bleeds, it leads” gotten such mileage.
When the virus first came to the United States, CNN was dismissive. There were bigger, sexier stories to worry about, including Trump’s impeachment trial.
Then, as COVID-19 infections and fatalities ticked up, CNN suddenly became interested in the viral outbreak, focusing its attention almost entirely on the Trump administration’s sluggish and unfocused response. CNN went all-in on hysteria, death counts, and social distance scolding. Now, CNN’s programming is dedicated largely to squeezing the last few drops of panic from the pandemic, its guests and hosts warning viewers repeatedly that, even with the creation and distribution of new vaccines, things are far from “normal” and that you should stay frightened.
It’s still dangerous out there! Tune in tonight to learn what you can do to protect yourself!
