Well, folks, it was bound to happen—Brian Stelter is making his triumphant return to CNN, though whether anyone was really clamoring for it is up for debate.
In an announcement via the “Reliable Sources” newsletter (which, by the way, some of us missed after being unceremoniously cut from the subscription list), Stelter revealed his return, but with a “new” twist. He’s stepping into the role of Chief Media Analyst, and we’re supposed to believe this is some kind of evolved version of the same old Brian. According to Stelter himself, CNN’s changed, he’s changed, the media landscape has changed…you get the picture.
I’m returning to @CNN in a brand new role as Chief Media Analyst. I’ll be appearing on TV, developing digital content, and once again helming the Reliable Sources newsletter.
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) September 3, 2024
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. For those of you who followed Stelter’s post-CNN career, you’ll remember he’s been playing the media circuit for a while now, including as a columnist at Vanity Fair, making guest appearances, and, of course, selling fewer than 4,000 copies of his Fox News-bashing book. But here’s the thing: Stelter was never really a media critic. He was more like the guy running cleanup for his pals in the press when they fumbled the ball.
Need an example? Let’s rewind to the Biden debate fiasco. The media had been scrambling for months—no, years—to shield Biden’s mental decline, lashing out at anyone daring to suggest the guy might not be 100% sharp. Then, boom—Biden flames out during the debate, and the jig was up. Stelter? He was right there trying to massage the narrative, promoting so-called debunkers who were busy spinning the president’s clear issues as “out of context.” Classic Stelter move—downplaying the media’s obvious failures while covering for the administration’s missteps.
And don’t forget when he tried to sell the idea that journalists weren’t lying about Biden’s condition but had been duped by the White House. Oh, really? You mean the same journalists who were supposed to be holding the administration accountable? Apparently, they’re just victims now. Stelter wrote a long, winding excuse over at Vox, explaining how “complicated” it was. Translation: More smoke and mirrors are needed to cover for the media’s laziness and dishonesty.
If you thought Stelter might come back refreshed, reformed, and ready to hold all media to account, don’t hold your breath. This is the guy who, during his time on “Reliable Sources,” constantly made excuses for bad reporting while saving his fiercest critiques for his favorite target, Fox News. Remember the bogus story about border agents whipping immigrants? Even after it was debunked, CNN was still pushing the narrative. Stelter? He was there applauding the media for eventually getting it right as if reporting the facts after spreading a lie is something to be proud of.
Brian Stelter is returning to CNN as their chief media analyst.
Here’s Brian back before he left the network. Apparently CNN looked at this and said, “Yes, more of that, please.” pic.twitter.com/MRdHCSEOED— Bill D’Agostino (@Banned_Bill) September 4, 2024
So, here we are. Brian Stelter is back, but will anything really change? Probably not. He’s still the guy who, when the media screws up, rushes to offer excuses rather than accountability. And if you think he’s going to drop his Fox News obsession, don’t bet on it. After all, that second book didn’t exactly fly off the shelves, but it looks like he’s trying to squeeze a few more pennies out of it just in time for the election season.
In short, if we’re supposed to believe this is a “new” Stelter, we’re going to need a lot more evidence than just a change in title.
