Ratings Profits Ratings Profits Ratings Profits Ratings Profits

A profile of CNN president Jeff Zucker in Variety provides a reminder that cable news operates for ratings and profits.

A few of the lowlights from the article:

1. There is a framed Donald Trump tweet in Zucker's office.

2. Zucker said: "There's a misconception we're doing this all for ratings."

Translation: We're doing this all for ratings.

3. "I actually think he's done a really nice job," Zucker said, commenting on the hire of Corey Lewandowski. Yesterday, Lewandowski asked if Barack Obama ever released his Harvard transcripts and then said "did he get in as a U.S. citizen, or was he brought into Harvard University as a citizen who wasn't from this country?" Heckuva job, Corey.

I'm reminded of words from Leslie Moonves, CEO of CBS. Earlier this year, in talking about the presidential campaign and ad money, he said: "It may not be good for America, but it's damn good for CBS." He also said: "The money's rolling in and this is fun."

Thanks for nothing, corporate media.