Miles O'Brien, CNN Sci/Tech Beat Over: A 'Real Disappointment'

I think it's really disappointing that CNN has decided to shutter its science and technology unit, just as President Bush is leaving office and hopes are rising that the government might return to respecting science instead of the witchcraft hoodoo of various religious demagogues and the P.R. of corporate flat-earth types. It's an equal shame that this means the end of the road for CNN's Miles O'Brien, who so expertly brought many of this unit's stories to the public with a concern for communicating to an audience of laymen and the enthusiasm that comes from being the one guy in the studio who gets to say something other than the same inane political talking point over and over again.

Health Care For America Now's Jacki Schechner, who used to be a colleague of O'Brien's at CNN, has a post up about the news, which she calls "a real disappointment." She presents O'Brien as a fun and flexible newsman, generous with his time and passionate about his job. "I can't say enough great stuff about him," she writes, adding:

To hear he's being let go - along with 6 other producers - is a real disappointment. I'm still waiting to hear who those 6 might be. I fear they may be some of the amazing people who worked with me during my tenure. And if that's the case, then once again, CNN has proven they should be considered - at least to those who've given them their all - the least trusted name in the news business.

...

To say I'm livid would be an understatement.

TVNewser reports that "the unit is being shuttered as the network integrates science, environment and technology reporting into the general editorial structure," which probably means that they'll be sous chefs at the CNN Grill or something. Meanwhile, Richard Quest, who was arrested in Central Park with a pocketful of meth and a rope tied to his junk, still has a job. Only science can explain this.

Comments

[highhorse313]

It's about ufo Disclosure. The media is bought and paid for. Miles had the audacity to admit the obvious which is ufo's fly with impunity all over this planet. Disclosure reveals our vulnerability.

[CNNfan]

Nexties.com, the original NEXT@CNN fansite created about five years ago may be the last remaining reminisce that there had even been a Science and Technology Unit at CNN.
In 2004, CNN Public information Management said, "... all of the Next@CNN staff, including executive producer (Peter Dykstra) has expressed delight in hearing of your interest. They will be happy to keep the lines of communication open with you ..."
Somebody tell Chez he just doesn't know the CNNfan community very well.

[DEEMERRILL]

BIG, BIG, HUGE MISTAKE ON CNN'S PART.

[scorpioleidy]

Now if they could just get rid of D.L. Hughley ...

[Fongenie]

The truth is out there. Lets continue to fight the good fight!

[lvogt]

Genius timing CNN. Just when the entire industry will be exploding CNN decides to go quiet on the subject. Clever.

[twofish]

Why is CNN following Fox down into the sewer? Didn't they learn anything in the 8 years of the Bush nightmare? We need to understand science to think about topics like global warming, stem cell research, water wars, pollution, alternate energy...Hmmm, just the things the corporations would like to keep us ignorant about. Never mind, I think I just sussed the reason (aside from cost cutting). Here's a clue CNN: cut useless political commentary, especially of the right-wing variety! Keep science and technology coverage!

[lmvd3]

It's just a matter of time before it's back up. Obviously, someone is terrible at CNN regarding trend-tracking. Science and environment will make a major upswing during the Obama Administration. I would think this would be the time to START science/technology/environment if a news station is not yet doing it. Dumb and untimely move.

[JumpingCholla]

Sickening. Miles O'Brien was my favorite. Why him? I wrote cnn, but all I could say was FY, FY, FY. How do you communicate reasonably with a bunch of cynical corporate sell-outs? I hate CNN.

[lmvd3]

His nasal voice is rather irritating.

[cjk002]

Well, that explains Richard Quest, now I just need an explanation for why Jim Cramer is so weird....

[katielady]

is CNN trying to close up shop????? Where is Ted?????? I like Miles way better than most of the talking heads on that channel.. get rid of Wolfe first...

[mirage2008]

WHAT?????

Idiots!

[11907281]

So is intelligent design going to make a come back? Hours of reporting on the stock market and financial sector but they cut the guys who report on the technology and science field that makes the stock market possible ? Let's ramp up the production of cars but cut the production of motors for those cars, we can all be Fred Flintstone.

[Secure214]

This is very sad to hear. I really enjoyed all of Miles' reporting. He always does a great job.

I really like all of his sci/tech reports.

:(

[serindipity803]

Someone who wants the truth reported - please pick him up!!!