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 Left
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Leftbased on 14
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Factual
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Objective
25
Articles
25
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Recent coverage
It's official: now avoid credit card interest into 2024
A CNN piece, framed as financial guidance, advises consumers on avoiding credit card interest into 2024, likely promoting balance-transfer or 0% APR card offers. The article appears to be consumer-finance/advertorial content rather than a hard news report.
The most beautiful sections of China's Great Wall
This article discusses various lesser-known but visually striking sections of China's Great Wall, highlighting locations beyond the commonly visited areas near Beijing. It provides historical context about the construction of the wall, dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period, and notes that work ceased in the 17th century. One specific example mentioned is 'Turtle City,' a well-preserved fortress town built during the Ming Dynasty as part of the Yellow River Defense Line. Located in Jingtai County, Gansu Province, the city has an unusual layout resembling a turtle, with gates representing different parts of the animal. The article recommends visiting the site, staying in nearby accommodations, and exploring local cuisine and markets.
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. The K-pop group arrived on stage wearing traditional Korean hanboks, a gesture celebrating their cultural heritage. While the outfits were briefly visible before they changed into custom Dolce and Gabbana outfits, fans and social media users praised the moment as a powerful statement of Korean identity and global influence. The performance followed previous milestones for Blackpink, including being the most-streamed female group on Spotify and achieving chart success in the UK and US. The hanboks were crafted by South Korean designers using traditional techniques and symbols, highlighting efforts to blend cultural pride with contemporary fashion.
Still haven't filed your taxes? Here's what you need to know
The article discusses the approaching April 18 tax filing deadline for U.S. taxpayers and provides guidance for those who have not yet filed. It notes that the IRS has processed over 100 million 2022 tax returns, leaving many households still to file. The piece explains that individuals in disaster areas or military personnel stationed in combat zones may have automatic extensions. It also outlines scenarios where filing might not be required, such as for low-income earners, and encourages checking eligibility for refunds through tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit. The article lists various tax forms that may need to be submitted and advises organizing tax documents, including electronic records.
Markets digest bank earnings after recent turmoil
This article discusses recent developments in the banking sector, focusing on major banks' first-quarter earnings following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. It highlights that JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, BlackRock, and PNC Financial all reported strong earnings, marking the first post-collapse reports. However, the article also notes weaker-than-expected retail sales data, which could signal economic concerns. Additionally, it covers BlackRock's decision to significantly reduce CEO Larry Fink's compensation due to declining profits, as well as the Federal Reserve's approval of UBS acquiring Credit Suisse's U.S. subsidiaries amid ongoing financial sector instability.
Retail spending fell in March as consumers pull back
US retail spending declined by 1% in March compared to the previous month, marking a sharper drop than anticipated, according to the Commerce Department. This decline followed heightened recession fears linked to the banking crisis, with consumers reducing spending on durable goods and at gas stations. Tax refund amounts were lower than the previous year, and expired pandemic-era benefits contributed to reduced consumer activity. Despite these challenges, retail sales increased by 2.9% year-over-year. Economists suggest factors like slower wage growth and reduced consumer confidence may continue to impact spending, although the labor market remains strong with 236,000 jobs added in March.
Analysis: Fox News is about to enter the true No Spin Zone
The article discusses the upcoming defamation trial of Fox News by Dominion Voting Systems, which alleges $1.6 billion in damages. Jury selection concluded with 300 potential jurors, indicating readiness to begin the trial soon. The piece highlights the significance of the case, noting that it represents a major challenge for Fox News, which has historically avoided accountability for spreading misinformation. The author reflects on past instances of Fox News promoting false narratives and undermining public trust, suggesting this trial marks a turning point where the network may face direct scrutiny in a courtroom setting. The article expresses skepticism about Fox News' ability to navigate this legal challenge effectively.
Silicon Valley Bank collapse renews calls to address disparities impacting entrepreneurs of color
The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has sparked renewed discussions about racial disparities in access to capital for entrepreneurs of color. Venture capitalist Arlan Hamilton highlighted how startups led by people of color often face greater financial vulnerabilities during crises, citing SVB's previous support for underrepresented communities. SVB, which served nearly half of all U.S. venture-backed tech and life sciences firms, was noted for its commitment to minority entrepreneurs through initiatives like sponsoring the State of Black Venture Report and offering discounted tech tools. Industry experts and investors emphasized that SVB provided critical resources to entrepreneurs of color, contrasting with broader systemic issues in lending practices. Data from the Small Business Credit Survey reveals significant disparities in loan approval rates between Black-led and white-owned businesses, underscoring ongoing challenges in equitable access to finance.
'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 of navigating rivers with large, aggressive aquatic animals.
Michael Jordan's 1998 NBA Finals sneakers sell for a record $2.2 million
A pair of Michael Jordan's 1998 NBA Finals Air Jordan 13 sneakers sold for $2.2 million at Sotheby’s in New York, setting a new record for the most expensive sneakers ever sold at auction. These sneakers were worn by Jordan during Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals, where the Chicago Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz 93-88. This sale follows the previous record of $1.47 million set by Nike Air Ships worn by Jordan in 2021. The sneakers are part of a broader 'Jordan Year' celebration, with other Jordan-related memorabilia, such as his Game 1 jersey from the same finals, previously selling for $10.1 million. The auction also featured items from other notable athletes like Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, and Roger Federer.
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 documentaries and publications that examine Hefner's impact and the broader cultural implications of his work.
They bought an abandoned 'ghost house' in the Japanese countryside
Daisuke Kajiyama, a Japanese traveler who spent years backpacking globally, returned to Japan with his Israeli partner Hila to realize his dream of opening a guesthouse. He sought a traditional Japanese house called a kominka but struggled to find suitable properties. As Japan faces a demographic crisis with declining population and increasing numbers of abandoned rural homes ('akiya'), Kajiyama discovered two such properties in Tamatori, Shizuoka. After persistent efforts, he negotiated with the owners to buy the buildings—one to live in and the other to transform into a guesthouse. This reflects broader trends of rural depopulation and the repurposing of abandoned structures.
Here's the real reason to turn on airplane mode when you fly
Airplane mode requirements during flights are primarily due to concerns about potential electromagnetic interference between personal electronic devices and aircraft navigation systems. While modern technology has minimized risks, historical studies like the 1992 investigation by the US Federal Aviation Authority and Boeing found no significant issues during non-critical flight phases. However, challenges remain with ground-based wireless networks, especially with the rise of 5G technology, which operates on frequencies close to those used by aviation systems. This has raised concerns about possible interference, particularly near airports. Despite global efforts to manage frequency allocations, airlines continue to enforce restrictions to avoid any risk, even though newer regulations allow devices to remain on during certain parts of the journey.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
Nothing flagged as overlooked yet.