CNN (Cable News Network) enjoys the protection of the First Amendment as it relates to Freedom of the Press. In this capacity they are tasked with holding the government accountable to the people by the research and presentation to the public the FACTS surrounding government operations and policies (their PRODUCT is FACT BASED NEWS) in order for the public at large to make INFORMED decisions.
CNN has repeatedly and wantonly produced, published and broadcast NEWS they knew, and or had reason to believe were FACTUALLY false and/or inaccurate through their failure to properly vet sources, verify and validate information, or provide a reasonable disclaimer that the information provided is anything other than FACT.
CNN has, through its actions and reporting, done irreparable harm to the press and the country at large by making it impossible to accept the information provided as FACT or bearing any relationship to actual events and activities. Since CNN is often "sourced" by other networks their actions have also tainted the other networks thereby rendering their PRODUCT unusable for the purpose for which it was intended. While the damage associated with most product liability cases is generally physical in nature, the damage caused by the actions of CNN are an undermining of the public trust.
Solution:
1. Revoke ALL press credentials of reporters associated with CNN, its parent company and satellite affiliates for a period of two (2) years.
2. Require CNN, its parent company and satellite affiliates issue an UNQUALIFIED apology to the citizens of the United States for their egregious behavior.
3. Fine CNN, its parent company and satellite affiliates $100 million to be used to establish an Ethics In Reporting course of study not to be affiliated with any university, but separate and distinct which must be completed by all reporters before press credentials can be issued. The curriculum of such course to be established by a board whose journalistic integrity has never been called into question.
4. CNN will establish an internal "review board" to properly vet all NEWS stories before publication or airing. (Opinion pieces specifically and clearly identified as such would be exempt from this process) This board should consist of seven (7) persons who must reach a unanimous decision that the proposed NEWS story is"
a. In the public interest
b. Factually accurate
c. Not solely agenda or ratings driven
d. Apolitical in its content
