CNN out of short pants?

Wow, this is absolutely stunning:

Mr. Klein said he wanted to move CNN away from what he called "head-butting debate shows," which have become the staple of much of all-news television in the prime-time hours, especially at the top-rated Fox News Channel.

"CNN is a different animal," Mr. Klein said. "We report the news. Fox talks about the news. They're very good at what they do and we're very good at what we do."

Mr. Klein specifically cited the criticism that the comedian Jon Stewart leveled at "Crossfire" when he was a guest on the program during the presidential campaign. Mr. Stewart said that ranting partisan political shows on cable were "hurting America."

Mr. Klein said last night, "I agree wholeheartedly with Jon Stewart's overall premise." He said he believed that especially after the terror attacks on 9/11, viewers are interested in information, not opinion.

Oh, and Tucker Carlson's out of a job. I'm sure he'll land on his feet; he seems like such a nice up-and-coming young lad. (Link is to the NYT, so free registration required and free access goes away in about a week).

If they actually follow through with it, and stop sucking up to the powers that be, we might see some real improvement around here. And remember, CNN's international news channel has a very good reputation. So they do know how to act like grownups; they just have to be persuaded it's what Americans want.