We’ve been reporting on the reporting of missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 all week, especially the nonstop coverage on CNN as critics and defenders chime in on the network’s obsession with the story.
As ratings rise, CNN has benched some shows that don’t fit the missing plane bill. “Crossfire” has been off for more than a week, last seen on CNN Monday, March 10. The planned Monday night experimental shows, “The Don Lemon Show,” and “Making The Case,” co-hosted by CNN legal analysts Sunny Hostin and Mark Geragos were replaced Monday night by a full-hour MH370 special report hosted by Lemon.
Tonight’s “Death Row Stories” at 10pmET, which has been re-airing Sunday’s episode, will not air. In its place will be another MH370 special report also hosted by Lemon. Episode 3 of “Chicagoland” will air as scheduled tomorrow at 10pmET.
The decision to preempt “Crossfire” — which would have been a TV viewing speedbump at 6:30pm — is paying off in the ratings: Wolf Blitzer anchoring from 5-7pmET was CNN’s most-watched show Monday. TVNewser hears “Crossfire” won’t be back until at least next week, longer if the Malaysian Airlines flight is still missing.