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CNN, in Comeback, Tops Fox, Boosts Profits

Exec Walton has overseen ratings comeback, doubled profits at cable icon

By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 5, 2008 5:28 PM CST

(Newser) – Five years after CNN’s fortunes were so low that Time Warner considered selling it, the cable news icon topped Fox News among 25- to 54-year-old viewers for the first month since 2001. The upstarts had CNN running scared for several years, but a new president has streamlined management, increased audiences—and doubled profits in four years, the New York Times reports.

Though Fox’s overall viewership is higher, CNN under executive Jim Walton attracts higher advertising dollars. But animosity remains: “Journalism is key to what we do," Walton said. "Fox is doing something different." Replied a Fox spokeswoman: “When the debates are over and CNN slides back down to MSNBC’s level, we assume Jim will return to the comfort of Time Warner’s witness protection program.”

CNN Anchor Wolf Blitzer, right, reports on the progress of the Iowa caucus at CNN studios in New York, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008.  (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
CNN Anchor Wolf Blitzer, right, reports on the progress of the Iowa caucus at CNN studios in New York, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)   (Associated Press)
Supporters of Republican presidential hopeful Ron Paul walk, sing and shout at supporters of Republican presidential hopeful former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani as CNN's Wolf Blitzer sits waiting to interview Giuliani at a campaign stop Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Dan Gill).
Supporters of Republican presidential hopeful Ron Paul walk, sing and shout at supporters of Republican presidential hopeful former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani as CNN's Wolf Blitzer sits waiting...   (Associated Press)
Sam Feist, a CNN political director, speaks on stage in a gymnasium at the University of Texas at Austin Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008, in Austin, Texas, after it was prepared for Thursday's 90-minute televised debate between Democratic presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton.   (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)
Sam Feist, a CNN political director, speaks on stage in a gymnasium at the University of Texas at Austin Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008, in Austin, Texas, after it was prepared for Thursday's 90-minute televised...   (Associated Press)
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