OPEN LETTER TO BRIAN STELTER, CNN CHIEF MEDIA ANALYST

Dear Brian Stelter,
October 1, 2024

I am very happy to hear that you are back at CNN in an official capacity as Chief Media Analyst. Since your last role as Chief Media Correspondent for CNN and host of the program, I am grateful. As a journalist with a love and passion for this profession, I understand that working with organizations like CNN is a dream come true and something every journalist or show host aspires to.

While I am pleased about your return, it brings to mind your last episode of “Reliable Sources” in August 2022, a show you anchored from 2013 to 2022. After nine years of dedicated service at CNN, it is not common for presenters or hosts to say goodbye on air, as circumstances often dictate how each party goes their separate ways.

From my personal experience as a radio presenter, administrator, and show host at Tungba 100.9 FM and Tungba 90.3 FM in Nigeria, I know a few presenters who didn’t have the opportunity to say goodbye to their fans on air. I also never had the chance to say goodbye in my previous station. However, there are no hard feelings; we have all moved on to greater things.

I have seen colleagues like Mulphy Ijemba, Sean Amadi, and Overdose leave their platforms without saying goodbye. In contrast, Sandra Ezekwezili’s case with Nigeria Info was different—she announced her exit on air, and a send-off was conducted for her during her last edition of “Hard Facts.” I know that Tucker Carlson, Don Lemon, Mehdi Hasan, and Dan Bongino also didn’t get the chance to say goodbye at their respective networks. Your opportunity to say goodbye on air shows that the network appreciates your efforts and that relations were good between you and CNN, unlike Bill O’Reilly, who didn’t return after a promised two-week vacation amid allegations.

To be honest, I didn’t believe they could let you go, even when your show was losing credibility due to a significant drop in viewership. You seemed to prioritize CNN’s agenda over your own integrity. In local terms, we might say, “The Boy Dey Loyal.” At times, it felt like there was pressure to push a particular narrative.

Your coverage of Donald Trump’s campaign and presidency was, at times, excessive and made me uncomfortable. The inability of “Reliable Sources” to provide balanced reporting contributed to its declining ratings; even organic liberal audiences were not fully comfortable with some of your perspectives. Your approach to issues involving President Trump and Republicans often felt overly biased, leading viewers to see through the narrative. Your book, “Hoax: Donald Trump, Fox News, and the Dangerous Distortion of Truth,” demonstrates your strong feelings against the MAGA movement and anything conservative.

I’d like to ask, Mr. Stelter, if you still hold the same views regarding Fox News and Sean Hannity as you did previously. Even Chris Cuomo has retracted many of his past statements and believes his positions on COVID-19 were not entirely accurate. I hope you might also consider acknowledging your previous assertions.

Regardless, my brother and friend, I appreciate you, and I recognize your exceptional talent in journalism. You have contributed significantly to the field, and young, aspiring journalists have much to learn from your expertise.

You are a perfect gentleman and a caring family man who loves your wife, Jamie, and your two wonderful children. I pray that God continues to protect your family.

I believe your return to CNN is strategic for the network, as they would not take such a step without good reason. As a licensed human resource practitioner and a chartered member of CIPM, I understand the importance of quality talent that aligns with an organization’s goals.

The American corporate media landscape you left in 2022 is different from the one you are returning to in 2024. At this critical time, issues like the economy, immigration, healthcare, and foreign policy are top of the agenda. While you owe allegiance to your employer, the people of the United States deserve quality, unbiased reporting. You have a duty to inform the public, no matter how challenging or politically incorrect it may be.

Remember, no one stays in a position forever. What we do with our roles will be what people remember. Since you left CNN in August 2022, I hope you’ve taken the time to reflect and grow. Your future is not solely tied to CNN; God has blessed you with a voice and talent that will endure.

As the U.S. approaches the November 5, 2024, election, where Americans will decide between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald J. Trump, I hope you will use your platform to unite the people and do what is right for humanity, regardless of the outcome.

Once again, congratulations, my friend, and I wish you all the very best.

Sincerely,
Oladigbo Oluwasogo Olalekan, ACIPM, HRPL
Group Programme Manager, Tungba FM Nigeria
Oluwasogo.olalekan@yahoo.com
+2347035415192