Yes, exactly that. Since I've seen it in film I now understand it across the media. What does CNN care if they've ruined their reputation in the U.S.A.? They have International broadcasts to rake in the real money. I remember being in Istanbul in May 2013 during the Gezi Park protests. There was massive civil unrest. It was really something to see. I was much more naive at that time. I was sitting in an apartment in Besiktas, Istanbul. Tear gas was actually coming in the windows. The person who owned the house turned the TV to CNN. He said, "look at what they're showing right now during this historic event". It was a nature documentary. It didn't completely click at that time, but I understood what he meant. Later I would realize, CNN operates CNN Turk without interference by policing itself. If they rock the boat too hard, they'll be thrown out of that country. Massive loss of revenue.
Similarly, while in Beijing I would often watch the CNN international channel in my hotel room to see what was happening back home. If a story started to talk about China or Hong Kong, the TV would go black. The TV would pop back on midway through the next story every time. China could easily ban CNN from their markets if they wanted. The U.S.A. doesn't operate that way so they can sow all the division, hatred, and fake news they want without a problem. The first amendment is very difficult to challenge against the press. Not a problem in other countries.
It's a shame. My job was amazing when I first started my career. It was so filled with talent and people that just lived to create. I was inspired by their passion and how they seemed to do the impossible time and time again. It really shaped who I am and helped build my independence. However, it took a dark turn about five years ago. The owners told me American film business won't be enough to keep the doors open. We're going to have to go after Chinese jobs. And that's where it all went downhill. It didn't matter what we were doing anymore. The soul had completely been sucked out of everyone just a couple years later. And to top it off the most demoralizing thing was the Chinese stiffed us on so many payments anyways. They knew they had all the leverage.
Yes, exactly that. Since I've seen it in film I now understand it across the media. What does CNN care if they've ruined their reputation in the U.S.A.? They have International broadcasts to rake in the real money. I remember being in Istanbul in May 2013 during the Gezi Park protests. There was massive civil unrest. It was really something to see. I was much more naive at that time. I was sitting in an apartment in Besiktas, Istanbul. Tear gas was actually coming in the windows. The person who owned the house turned the TV to CNN. He said, "look at what they're showing right now during this historic event". It was a nature documentary. It didn't completely click at that time, but I understood what he meant. Later I would realize, CNN operates CNN Turk without interference by policing itself. If they rock the boat too hard, they'll be thrown out of that country. Massive loss of revenue.
Similarly, while in Beijing I would often watch the CNN international channel in my hotel room to see what was happening back home. If a story started to talk about China or Hong Kong, the TV would go black. The TV would pop back on midway through the next story every time. China could easily ban CNN from their markets if they wanted. The U.S.A. doesn't operate that way so they can sow all the division, hatred, and fake news they want without a problem. The first amendment is very difficult to challenge against the press. Not a problem in other countries.
It's a shame. My job was amazing when I first started my career. It was so filled with talent and people that just lived to create. I was inspired by their passion and how they seemed to do the impossible time and time again. It really shaped who I am and helped build my independence. However, it took a dark turn about five years ago. The owners told me American film business won't be enough to keep the doors open. We're going to have to go after Chinese jobs. And that's where it all went downhill. It didn't matter what we were doing anymore. The soul had completely been sucked out of everyone just a couple years later. And to top it off the most demoralizing thing was the Chinese stiffed us on so many payments anyways. They knew they had all the leverage.