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NASHVILLE — CNN is "sliding down a slippery slope of classless unprofessionalism" by using a celebrity chef known for profanity to boost ratings.
Hollywood agent Alec Shankman told ratings rival Fox News, "Typically swearing is edited out with bleeping sounds when it is unintentional and/or inappropriate for the audience," with most reality and news shows making a point to edit it out.
At issue is CNN's "Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown," which airs Sundays at 9 p.m. Eastern. Apparently the news network does nothing to censor the chef's foul language on the pre-taped show.
"CNN is clearly deflecting families away from their programming, and doing so rather proudly," media expert Angie Olszewski told Fox News, adding the slippery slope comment.
Pop culture writer Rachelle Friberg noted that while profanity may be commonplace on a myriad of cable networks, CNN is supposed to be different. It's a news-based channel that markets itself as the most trusted name in news.
Bourdain's uncensored use of bad language "illustrates the extreme attempt CNN is taking to boost viewership," Friberg said. "All the profanity looks like a desperate attempt to stay relevant."
As an example of his noticeable proclivity toward the profane, when Bourdain made an appearance in Richmond, Va., in late April, the Richmond Times-Dispatch ran this headline: "Chef Bourdain in Richmond — A profanity-laced one-man show."
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