The TV Zone

This can't be good: I am told that CNN has eliminated its science unit, affecting seven staffers. It's not good for many reasons but the network's science unit is one of the best in television and probably has a few dozen Emmys to prove it. Here's a statement from CNN: " We want to integrate environmental, science and technology reporting into the general editorial structure rather than have a stand alone unit. Now that the bulk of our environmental coverage is being offered through the 'Planet in Peril' franchise which is produced by the 'AC360' program, there is no need for a separate unit." Veteran anchor Miles O'Brien is affected in this shift too; TVnewser just reported that he was ousted too. As viewers know, CNN's taken a deep, long interest in science (space-related stuff, it seems to me, in particular) going back to the earliest days, when John Holliman - one of the "Boys of Baghdad" - was the network's space reporter. So this strikes at the culture and history of the place.