In an email to a former AT&T executive, AT&T chief Randall Stephenson on Sunday called the cable news network “culturally significant” and said it would remain “independent” if AT&T owns it.
“CNN is an American symbol of independent journalism and First Amendment free speech,” wrote Stephenson, a day after his company’s megadeal was announced. “. . . We must protect the creative talent throughout the Time Warner business. The talent must fundamentally believe they will be afforded the same creative license [after the merger] they have today.
“This is particularly important as it applies to an institution as culturally significant as CNN. My board and I are not confused. Ensuring the public that CNN remains independent from an editorial perspective is critical.” – READ MORE
