Aaron Brown Recap

It's pretty much died down, but in the absence of blogging, my traffic has been kept afloat by this tiny little post I wrote about Aaron Brown's departure from CNN, on November 2nd. 

I've received hundreds of hits from search engines about Aaron Brown, as well as daily comments since the day I wrote the post, by people who are sad to see him go.

And the comments are like eulogies, almost as if there is a feeling that they are writing to Aaron Brown himself.  Here's a couple of samples:

Everynight, my husband and I tuned into New Night and Aaron Brown. I thought Aaron was one of the best Anchors in the past 10 years.

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From here it looks like blatant age descrimination that they are trying to make more palatable with a lame attempt at giving it a candy coating. They say there wasn't room for them both? Stuff 'n nonsense!

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Thanks for four years of great news coverage.
I loved your "weather reports".
Good luck Aaron!

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Aaron Brown was both COMFORTING and REASSURING during Hurricane Katrina, ...(when we first began listening to CNN over FOX), .......BUT YOU HAVE TAKEN THAT AWAY and given us a younger, emotional reporter who doesn't carry the same 'weight', ...we feel SAD like we LOST SOMEONE VERY DEAR, much like Lou Dobbs! DON'T TOUCH HIM!!!!!

It has amazed me, first of all that this blog became a forum for this, but the depth of emotion people felt about Aaron Brown.

I personally liked Aaron Brown a lot.  Much of it had to do with 9/11.  It was just one of the many very human story lines found within that day, but Brown, finally receiving an major, national anchor job mere days before the worst tragedy in American History occurred, and he had to cover it from a balcony in front of smoking and smoldering buildings.  You could just see it in his eyes: This was the time he had waited his whole life for, and now he had to cover it while watching his fellow New Yorkers die around him.

If there is this sort of outpouring of sentiment about his dismissal from CNN, then there has to be some network executive who realizes that hiring Brown will be taping into a waiting audience (CBS, I'm talking to you).

Comments

[alfreda beasley]

I read your story about Aaron Brown in early November, it was the first I think out there that gave somewhat of the story. I sent an e-mail to cnn and now hate cnn for releasing Mr.Brown. Perhaps, this is the best thing for him to do is to get away from a network that does not appreciate a world class journalist.

[Aaron Brown Fan]

It warms my heart to know that so many people were such big fans.

I always liked him because he seemed like the kind of guy you could go outside and have a smoke and a witty conversation with.

I miss him a lot.

[Patricia Snow]

CNN is all about revealing the truth, but the truth is, there has been no story on the firing of Aaron Brown, beyond the usual pablum about his "spending more time with his family." He has disappeared without a ripple and that troubles me most. I have heard a rumor that he was fired for refusing to go to LA--? I do not think he left CNN willingly--he obviously loved his job. And we loved him. But he was also angrier the last few weeks than I have ever seen him. Freely expresssed his views. Because the writing was on the wall and he had nothing to lose? Or, was that why he was fired. It would be nice to have answers.

[jason]

Mr. Brown represented, for me, a quality old-school news anchor that looked good in Banana Republic clothes. I recall my sophomore year at Villanova watching Brown’s emotional and articulate broadcast on Sept. 11 with the smoldering towers in the backdrop. From that moment on I was loyal ever since.

It’s a sad time for CNN loyalist. It seems anymore that the network is selling out to yuppies like the Vanderbilt connected Cooper, whom I cannot stand.

I knew Aaron Brown years ago as a newscaster for our local news here in Seattle. I then became "reacquainted" with him on 9/11. His compassionate coverage of that horrible time made me a huge fan. I don't understand why he was let go by CNN. His energy, his way of speaking the truth, was refreshing and calming amidst the sensationalistic journalists we are subjected to. CNN made a mistake.

We turned on CNN every night at our time to hear AAron Brown. We now no longer turn CNN on for that news segment, we have nothing against Anderson Cooper they should have left him where he was and then we could have watched both!!

[Diane McKeel]

So what is the real story? I turned in to CCN one night and no Aaron Brown. I missed what reasons CNN gave for leaving?

[Matt Pasztalaniec]

Aaron Brown deserved better treatment tnan what he received. My wife and I looked forward to watching his program each night. Not so now. Aaron was a sensitive, intelligent,incisive journalist who had a heart.One could actually see when he was visably upset about a story he had to report that was plain cruel or inhumane. Aaron was not afraid to show emotion: that's what endeared him to us.
I was prompted to go on line to see if I could learn why Aaron was no longer the anchor on CNN. My golfing buddies kept asking " what happened to him?" Now I know -- and I am ashamed of CNN. Hopefully Aaron will appear as an anchor on another network. We will be there to watch and enjoy our friend every night.
I guess CNN just did not appreciate a class act when they had one
Matt Pasztalaniec

[Lois Malan]

Me and my husband miss seeing Aaron Brown everynight on CNN. We want to know what happened to him. Does Anyone know?

[Howard Stoner]

Of all the news achors on all the networks, both broadcast and cable, I thought Aaron Brown the most thoughtful, intelligent, and insightful. I presume that ratings drove this decision, but if ever there was a case where what the audience ought to have outweighs what the audience thinks it wants, this is that case. I'm afraid that Anderson Cooper is a very inadequate substitute for Aaron Brown.

[Sharon Mason]

Why was nothing ever said as to why Aaron Brown is no longer on CNN. We enjoyed watching him and would like to know some answers.

[Margot Childers]

Aaron Brown was the reason I began watching CNN. I thought he was first class all the way and miss him so much. I also really liked Bill Hemmer on the morning show. Why did the 2 best in my opinion leave CNN. I no longer watch CNN at all. Everyone else on CNN sounds exactly the same - a lot of hype and no heart. I hope Aaron goes with another network - he is a winner!

[Nola Crewe]

What has happened to Aaron? Surely someone knows what really happened . . . and where are we going to find him next. He is too good to lose. He was, by far, the best CNN had. Whatching ANderson Cooper is like seeing a gnome trying to play Santa: far too minuscule and insipid to fill the shoes.

[Daryl Jamieson]

Only in the past 2 weeks viewing cnn have I been wondering - where's Aaron? Is he on a much deserved extended vacation? Was there some crisis at the network? For me, his journalistic presence goes way back before 9/11, when as a youngster in Vancouver Canada, I watched daily feeds of the Seattle news stations. I appreciated him then, I appreciated him more on 9/11, and that appreciation has grown and matured the same way he did in the role of cnn's nightly anchor. I hope that Anderson Cooper has the same kind of appreciation for Aaron, who supported him on air in his fledgling days - these are big shoes to fill, they will never quite be worn the way Aaron jumped in and wore them. As for cnn, what were you thinking? - hardly a mention, I mean even Novak for crying out loud has been slotted for a final cnn special interview after all his bombastic disgrace. I'm sure Larry King must just be pissed with the whole affair. Time Warner has again done what even Ted Turner would find unthinkable.

[Derek Nogiec]

Here in Canada many of us are fans of great news coverage on CNN and this is clear with so many questions for Larry King coming from the great white north.

We, also, ask 'what happened to Aaron Brown??'. Certainly CNN's handling of this situation is terrible and Anderson just doesn't give the credibility that we got used to from Aaron!

I hope we soon learn the REAL NEWS.

[Joel and Susan]

I don't know what happened to Aaron Brown. I do know this. I used to watch my clock and make sure I was home by 7 every evening (and often would set to record the show if I was to be away). Now, the 'fluff' they have replaced Aaron with - Anderson Crapper - just don't cut it. I don't even watch that fluffy entertainment show that used to be the evening news nor does my wife. Evidently, someone high up at the CNN network made a very bad decision... and we are all much poored for it. But, we will watch the bow tied dude on MSNBC now before we watch Anderson Crapper...

[Claire Hamlin]

"Grieving" might be too strong a word but honest to god that's how I've been feeling since November. I watch very little news coverage these days, and am not nearly as well informed as when Aaron Brown talked to me every week night at 10. I cannot bring myself to even watch CNN.

There is a certain validation of my feelings in surfing the internet and finding hundreds of others who, like me, feel the void in their lives.

Aaron, wherever you are, I hope you will come back into our homes again soon with your raised eyebrow that said volumes, your obvious love of newspapers, and the most beautiful attention to the language I have ever enjoyed.

On second thought, "grieving" is the perfect word.

[Bruce Miller]

Shame on you CNN/Time Warner...! What were you thinking, dumping Aaron in favor of AC? From a once aspiring Journalist, you made an enormous mistake. Why didn't you consult Mr. King, he'd have set you straight. I can even see the disappointment in his demeanor as he tries to gracefully transition his show to AC's. You missed the opportunity to develop a news icon that could have been as legendary as ER Murrow or Walter Cronkite!

[Jane and John Upp]

We really miss Aaron Brown and wonder where he is and why CNN let him go for Anderson Cooper who is a nice guy but can't hold a candle to the professionlism of Aaron Brown, and certainly not as articulate. So, where is he? Also, CNN is not doing "news" with Anderson, so why call it news? It is "entertainment" which, ofcourse, it isn't.

[kathleen jacobson]

replacing aaron brown with anderson cooper (who i have nothing against) seems so unbelievable. he was so great - i'm 60 now and can't remember any news personality that i've liked better. as far as i'm concerned cnn is missing a cog somewhere.

[dianne newcity]

I cannot begin to express how angry we are at CNN and their continued replacement of good people. The straw that has broken the camels back is the loss of Aaron Brown. He was in a league with Tom Brokaw, Peter Jennings, Dan Rather ...just to name of a few recent anchors. I was a 100% watcher of CNN...not anymore.

And what is the deal with Fox??? They now sign off "Fair, Balanced and Unafraid". What in the heck does "unafraid" mean. Is CNN afraid to broadcast 'real' news?

[MImi KLuge]

I have not heard why CNN replaced Aaron Brown on the nightly news. I do know that this is a horrendous mistake and his compassionate and personal manner of presenting the news is missed by millions of people. I choose not to listen to CNN because of this, as do many, many people I know. Aaron, wherever you are, I hope one of our more responsible, appreciative, and intelligent networks gets you back into our living rooms!!!!

[Claire Hamlin]

I'm not sure where I would find these stats, but I am curious. Does anyone out there know what kind of numbers CNN is putting up since Aaron was silenced? Unfortunately, I'm still seeing most restaurant and other public televisions turned to Fox. (Of course I live in the South.)It would be indeed gratifying to learn that CNN didn't gain much ground over Fox at all, despite their November housecleaning.

[Kitty Sheorn]

Aaron Brown was "my hero", he converted me to CNN nightly news. There was something so real about him. I've lost interest in CNN News since his leaving. His knowledge of news worthy topics and how he interacted with his guests was special. He treated everyone with a high level of respect, and it appeared that they held that same level for him also. I enjoyed his humor, smile and the fact that he didn't "over-react". What a loss! Kitty Sheorn/Camden, SC

[Mike/Michigan]

Aaron Brown was a class act. He was probably the most authentic newsperson in the industry. Given a few more years on the job, he probably would have taken the title of "most trusted man in America" from that other fellow. I am very surprised that he hasn't turned up on Fox or MSNBC. And I am wondering what he is doing today. Does anyone know?