CNN’s Campbell Brown rollout…
Broadcasting & Cable’s Marissa Guthrie scoops that Campbell Brown’s CNN show won’t debut until after her maternity leave and she’ll be doing a series of specials for the network until she goes on maternity leave…
Campbell Brown will make her debut on CNN not on her own primetime show, which is set to bow in February, but in a series of political specials to air in November.
When Brown left NBC News in July after 11 years with the network, one of the conditions of her exit was that she would not appear on CNN until November. But with Brown due to give birth to her first child in late December, the timing was less than convenient.
This was a wise move by CNN. Last month I noted the traction trouble CNN would face if it debuted Brown’s show only to have her leave for months due to her pregnancy. By keeping Sanchez’s “Out in the Open” going during her maternity leave, CNN has probably done all it can to mitigate the damage that could be done to that timeslot.
I wish they’d put on Cafferty, his special was pretty good the other night…(maybe pair him up with Sanchez…then again, maybe not).
Comment by Obama in 08! — September 21, 2007 @ 7:25 pm
Good idea, CNN. I think CNN must have realized how silly it would have been to launch a show and then have Brown leave in a month. I gotta give props to Mr. Sanchez because he’s actually improved upon Paula’s numbers on a daily basis…good for him!
Comment by Anonymous — September 21, 2007 @ 7:37 pm
Campbell Brown seems like a nice woman, but she isn’t the answer at 8pm. Although I did read something about her doing an interview type show. Perhaps this might catch fire if she interviews nothing but high profile politicians, and actually BREAKS news. I was thinking along the lines of LKL except no celebrity crap. However, with the thought CNN was originally going to have her start in November and then take off for maternity leave.. I think they really don’t have a plan and she’s destined to fail under the current management. Plus, lets not forget, LKL can be whiny about others getting more airtime. So, I don’t guess he’d be too thrilled at Ms. Brown scooping him.
Comment by Terance — September 21, 2007 @ 7:48 pm
Terance: CNN is intent on having a “softer” show in that timeslot.
But I don’t know why CNN expects her to succeed at 8pm ET when both Paula Zahn and Connie Chung failed.
Comment by Ira — September 21, 2007 @ 8:04 pm
Campbell Brown’s show is an attempt at CNN to get another female into primetime successfully. right now, only Greta is a successful woman in primetime. The show is about attracting diverse viewers, esp. women. Gloria Borger wil be on the show a lot I suspect to talk about politics, as will Candy Crowley. When you think about it, CNN has a lot of very good women Journalists, like the aforementioned, plus Jessica Yelin, Suzanne Malvuex, etc.
Comment by jmkaib — September 21, 2007 @ 8:23 pm
I think it makes sense to have a “softer” news program in the 8pm slot. Face it, they’re not going to compete with O’Reilly… and Olbermann already has carved his niche… so they have to go after the people who don’t want political opinion.
If they attempt to emulate what either FNC or MSNBC is doing, it’s going to be a hard fought fight and very risky for their dollar. However, if they stay with straight news, and then try to brand themselves with a, “While those other stations are busy telling you what you should think… giving you all that opinion… and fighting with each other… CNN will give it to you straight” type message… they might start to win something.
They just need a winning personality to bring in the audience.
Comment by ImNotBlue — September 21, 2007 @ 8:41 pm
Campbell Brown - ho hum.
It must scare the pants off of CNN when they consider what O’Reilly and Olbermann are going to do to her in the ratings.
I am sure she is a nice young woman, but she is toast!
Comment by Cella — September 21, 2007 @ 10:17 pm
I like Campbell Brown but doubt she can do much to cut into O’Reilly’s ratings. I am interested to see what kind of program it will be and will no doubt watch mainly because I can’t stand O’Reilly or Olbermann.
Comment by myview — September 21, 2007 @ 10:46 pm
Ira, CNN didn’t need to hire the big money Campbell Brown for a softer program.. they could’ve just “spun the wheel” and chosen someone already on the payroll. In other words, if CB isn’t going to be an *impact* player.. they might as well of just kept using Rick Sanchez. And I really don’t like that guy!
Comment by Terance — September 22, 2007 @ 8:55 am
Since we’re here, what about an all star Sanchez, Brown, Cafferty panel show?
Heck, why not throw Star Jones in there just for kicks. Now that’s a show.
Comment by Ryano — September 22, 2007 @ 9:09 am
A panel show would be an interesting idea, though that combination is kind of like combining an idiot, a very nice lady, and a bickering old man. Oh, wait, that might be an interesting move, who knows.
Comment by Chris (clind) — September 22, 2007 @ 10:47 am
She’s already been “rolled out” on her back. How do you think she got that gig?
Comment by Roger C. — September 22, 2007 @ 11:11 am
Ryano,
Your idea of having a panel show is a good one. ( not that group, however)
Paula did have round table discussions. But she was the game leader and the guests were never really “in”.
So panelists having equal weight in the scheme might work.
Comment by Cella — September 22, 2007 @ 11:11 am
What’s the brother’s name who was always on PZN? Its time for an African American to be given the chance on primetime cable news!
Comment by jmkaib — September 22, 2007 @ 5:15 pm
I am disappointed that when Campbell Brown opened her show tonight say that we are fair and do not pick sides when discuss Obama or McCain. She is the worst person for the show as she clearly is showing which side she is on. She says the public wants to know well she is surely not speaking for me. Please just do the job and report the news without being such a drama queen.
Comment by lcv — July 8, 2008 @ 7:50 pm
Campbell, I am so proud of you for speaking up about Sarah Palin this evening/Sept.22. I have had it as well with Palin not speaking to the press. It is the most insulting behavior I have ever witnessed and someone needed to have the hutzpah to step up and speak out. You deserve an award for your courage. If I knew your Mgr’s name I would write to him and tell him how you have brought such joy to many Americans just by saying those words. Free S Palin. Sarah is no different from anyone else. If Mr. McCain did not think she was up to the challenge, he should have selected someone else. The condition of this country is far too serious for us to have someone represent us that is not up to the task. Bravo..Bravo to you Campbell
Comment by KVF — September 23, 2008 @ 7:45 pm