Donald Trump CNN Challenge Puts Network In Difficult Position
A Donald Trump CNN callout Wednesday (September 9) has put the network in a difficult position.
Reportedly, network head Jeff Zucker was planning to jack up advertising rates by 4,000 percent in anticipation of the upcoming debate his channel is hosting among Republican presidential candidates for the 2016 nomination.
Trump got wind of it and immediately devised a plan that could both help him politically and cause massive revenue loss to the news giant.
In a letter to Zucker posted to Trump’s Facebook, the real estate mogul had this to say.
“Over the weekend it was announced by numerous entertainment channels and magazines that your ad rates have gone from $5,000 to $200,000, or a 4,000% increase. Since then I have heard that your rates will go even higher. While I refuse to brag, and as you know very well, this tremendous increase in viewer interest and advertising is due 100% to ‘Donald J. Trump.'”
The Donald Trump CNN letter continued, touting Trump’s ratings success with The Apprentice, his unwillingness to continue with the show — some reports claim he was fired — because he wanted to run for President, and his passion to help veterans.
The moment Trump mentioned “veterans,” you kind of knew what was going to happen next.
“I am self funding my campaign — I do not want money from lobbyists, donors or special interest groups. Likewise, you should view the second debate broadcast as a public service and not accept the massive profits that this airing will generate. I believe that all profits from this broadcast should go to various VETERANS groups, a list of which I will send to you in the near future. “
Trump then expounds on how career politicians — presumably on both sides, since his criticism of Republican U.S. Sen. John McCain has been downright brutal — have failed veterans, and how this advertising windfall could do a lot of good.
It’s an interesting move, and one that has gotten even his detractors talking with a hint of admiration.
“Love him or hate him, you’ve got to admire Trump’s style,” wrote one Yahoo! News commenter, adding that “the Donald… knows how to get his name in the headlines… and he doesn’t have to pay a penny for advertising.”
Should CNN take Trump up on the callout, they will lose a ton of money, but perhaps gain some goodwill with viewers. If they don’t, then the outspoken candidate has an automatic “in” for criticizing the network for being “unfair” to him if things don’t go well in the debate, while ingratiating himself to veterans.
Zucker has not yet responded, but the Inquisitr will update when he does.
What do you think, readers? Was the Donald Trump CNN callout a stroke of genius or too see-through to be genuine? Share your comments below.
[Image via Albert H. Teich / Shutterstock.com]
