CNN Auditions “Opinion” Hosts – Will It Signal A Change?

CNN consistently bills themselves as the “news” network, with Fox News on the right and MSNBC on the left.

But could they be looking to shore up their stable of opinion-makers?

FishbowlLA says they are. Reports Tina Dupuy:

They’re auditioning liberal personalities and conservative personalities to co-host one show. A few on the liberal side were [Stephen] A. Smith of ESPN, Cenk Uygur of the Young Turks, Roland Martin who’s already on Campbell Brown‘s show frequently and Errol Louis a CNN contributor. On the conservative side were radio personalities Roe Conn from Chicago, Joe Watkins from Philadelphia and Steve Malzberg from New Jersey. Plus frequent Glenn Beck fill-in Joe Pagliarulo from Texas.

Politico reports “a CNN executive tells POLITICO that there’s no such left-right political debate show planned for the network.” A CNN spokesperson tells Mediaite, “CNN is always looking for new talent.”

So even if there’s not a set show, it does appear CNN is looking to find some commentators, ranging from former ESPN guy Smith (pictured) to a Pagliarulo, a Beck fill-in radio host. It may not signal a shift in tone to more opinion, but it at least means CNN is looking in a direction other than right down the middle.

One thing we don’t expect to see – major changes in prime time. At least not yet. That includes Lou Dobbs‘ hour as well as Campbell Brown‘s.

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