United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 1980
Ownership
CNN was founded in 1980 by Ted Turner as the first 24-hour cable news network, based in Atlanta. It is currently owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, the conglomerate formed by the 2022 merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery. In 2025 Warner Bros. Discovery announced a split into two companies, placing CNN inside the 'Global Networks' / Discovery Global cable-and-networks business led by Gunnar Wiedenfels, separate from the studios-and-streaming side under David Zaslav; that separation is expected to complete around 2026.
Funding
Funded by cable carriage/affiliate fees, advertising and, increasingly, digital subscriptions following its push into paid streaming and online products. It receives no government funding.
Affiliation & stance
CNN's US opinion and prime-time programming is commonly assessed as center-left, while it presents itself as a mainstream news organization. Because it is owned by a publicly traded commercial media corporation with no party, church or state control, it is classified INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 17
90/100
Factual
70/100
Objective
25
Articles
25
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
It's official: now avoid credit card interest into 2024
This article promotes the Citi Simplicity® Card, highlighting its 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR) for 18 months on both balance transfers and purchases. The card is marketed as a tool for individuals managing credit card debt or anticipating future expenses, allowing them to avoid interest during the promotional period. However, after the introductory period, the standard variable APR ranges from 17.49% to 28.24%. The card features no annual fee, no late fees, and no penalty rates, making it appealing for those seeking temporary relief from credit card interest. The article includes disclosures about the credit score requirements and potential balance transfer fees.
0% intro APR until 2024 is 100% insane
The article discusses the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card, highlighting its 0% introductory APR for 21 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. It emphasizes the card's benefits for consumers looking to avoid interest charges during this period, noting that the regular APR ranges from 17.49% to 28.24%. The card has no annual fee and offers up to $600 in cellphone protection, though it lacks rewards programs and has a balance transfer fee of 5% ($5 minimum). The piece is presented as a personal review from a long-time Wells Fargo customer, focusing on the card's simplicity and effectiveness for managing debt.
The most beautiful sections of China's Great Wall
The article features a video series highlighting scenic locations along the Great Wall of China, showcasing five of its most beautiful sections. It includes visual content and brief descriptions of these areas, emphasizing their natural beauty and historical significance. Other segments in the same series focus on travel-related topics such as living in Paris's smallest apartments, exploring Route 66 in the United States, and the cultural and historical aspects of this iconic American highway. These segments appear to be part of a broader travel and exploration content lineup by CNN.
Look of the Week: Blackpink headline Coachella in Korean hanboks
Blackpink made history at Coachella 2024 by becoming the first Asian act to headline the festival, marking a significant milestone for K-pop globally. The group arrived on stage wearing traditional Korean hanboks, a gesture celebrating Korean heritage and culture. While the hanboks were briefly visible before they changed into their outfits, the display was widely praised by fans as a powerful statement of cultural pride. The performance followed previous achievements, including being the most-streamed female group on Spotify and holding records for YouTube views. The hanboks were custom-designed by South Korean brands, incorporating traditional motifs and craftsmanship, highlighting the intersection of modern pop culture and historical tradition.
Still haven't filed your taxes? Here's what you need to know
The article states that as of the current tax season, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has processed over 90 million income tax returns for the year 2022. It appears to be providing general information about tax filing activity rather than discussing specific issues or controversies related to taxation.
Markets digest bank earnings after recent turmoil
The article discusses how financial markets are reacting to recent bank earnings reports, coming in the wake of previous periods of market instability. The focus is on how investors are interpreting these earnings as indicators of the health of the banking sector and their implications for broader economic trends. No specific banks or figures are mentioned, but the general sentiment of market participants is implied. This follows a period of turbulence in global financial markets, which has led to heightened scrutiny of banking performance.
Retail spending fell in March as consumers pull back
Retail spending in the United States declined in March as consumers reduced their expenditures due to concerns over a potential recession, which were exacerbated by the ongoing banking crisis. This decrease reflects a shift in consumer behavior, likely influenced by economic uncertainty and financial instability within the banking sector. The decline in retail sales could indicate broader economic challenges and may impact various sectors reliant on consumer spending. Such trends are closely monitored by economists and policymakers as indicators of overall economic health.
Analysis: Fox News is about to enter the true No Spin Zone
The provided article headline suggests an analysis regarding Fox News potentially entering a 'No Spin Zone,' implying a shift toward more objective reporting. However, the article text is extremely brief, containing only the phrase 'This is it.' There is insufficient content to determine the specific context, framing, or supporting arguments related to the claim. The article does not provide detailed information about any changes in Fox News' programming or journalistic practices.
Silicon Valley Bank collapse renews calls to address disparities impacting entrepreneurs of color
The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has prompted renewed discussions about disparities affecting entrepreneurs of color. When customers withdrew large sums of money last month, venture capitalist Arlan Hamilton assisted founders of color who were concerned about losing access to payroll funds. The event highlights ongoing challenges faced by minority entrepreneurs in accessing financial stability during economic uncertainty.
'I was up to my waist down a hippo's throat.' He survived, and here's his advice
Paul Templer, a 28-year-old tour guide in Zimbabwe, recounts surviving a harrowing encounter with a hippopotamus while leading a canoe safari on the Zambezi River. During the trip, Templer's canoe was attacked by a hippo, launching him and another guide into the water. Templer then risked his life to rescue the injured guide before returning to safety. The incident highlights the dangers posed by hippos, which are known for their strength and aggression, despite their seemingly docile appearance. Templer emphasizes the importance of caution and awareness when navigating rivers where hippos are present.
Michael Jordan's 1998 NBA Finals sneakers sell for a record $2.2 million
Michael Jordan's game-worn Air Jordan 13 sneakers from the 1998 NBA Finals sold for a record $2.2 million at an auction hosted by Sotheby’s in New York. These sneakers, worn during Game 2 of the finals where Jordan helped the Chicago Bulls secure their sixth championship, surpassed the previous record of $1.47 million set by a pair of Nike Air Ships. The sale occurred during 'Jordan Year,' a celebration of Jordan's iconic jersey number 23. Earlier this year, Jordan's Game 1 jersey from the same finals sold for $10.1 million, making it the most expensive piece of worn sports memorabilia ever auctioned. The sneakers were part of a larger auction event called 'Victoriam,' featuring memorabilia from other notable athletes such as Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, and Pelé.
How Playboy cut ties with Hugh Hefner to create a post-MeToo brand
This article discusses the transformation of Playboy magazine following the death of its founder, Hugh Hefner, and the rise of the #MeToo movement. It highlights Hefner's controversial legacy, including his role in publishing nude photos of women without consent and his alleged pattern of controlling behavior toward female partners. The piece notes that while Playboy supported progressive causes like abortion rights and funded the first rape kit, it often promoted narrow beauty standards. After Hefner's death, Playboy distanced itself from his legacy, cutting ties with his family and shifting focus to more inclusive and sex-positive values. The article references a documentary series that exposed past misconduct claims against Hefner and mentions Playboy's new direction under current leadership.
They bought an abandoned 'ghost house' in the Japanese countryside
Japanese traveler Daisuke Kajiyama and his Israeli partner Hila purchased two abandoned properties in the countryside of Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, to transform them into a home and guesthouse. After years of traveling globally, Kajiyama sought a traditional Japanese house, but faced financial constraints and limited availability. He turned to the increasing number of 'ghost houses', abandoned homes due to urban migration, and discovered two neglected properties: a former green tea factory and an old farmer’s home. Despite challenges, including the owner’s initial reluctance, Kajiyama negotiated to repurpose the buildings, reflecting broader demographic trends in Japan, where the population is projected to decline significantly by 2065.