The news media reacted with a mix of amusement, confusion, and praise on the hiring CNN made of former NBA player Rex Chapman for its streaming platform.
Earlier in the day, Barrett Sports Media reported that the yet-to-be-launched streaming service CNN+ hired Chapman to host a weekly program that will debut at some point in 2022.
Syndicated radio host Clay Travis tweeted, “it’s amazing how @cnn continues to make decisions guaranteed to destroy whatever limited trust they have in the media today.”
“CNN adding Rex Chapman to CNN+. So, they’re going for MSNBC, but even more stupid. Okay then,” syndicated talk show host Erick Erickson tweeted. “Suddenly Joy Reid won’t be the stupidest person on television.”
“Lol this is a perfect fit. He’s an endless source of misinformation on this website,” tweeted Washington Free Beac.
Others were happy to see Chapman land a new gig on CNN’s streaming platform despite the criticism. CNN Business & Politics Correspondent Vanessa Yurkevich praised the hire of Chapman by her company.
“One of my favorite new hosts coming to the platform. If you don’t follow him, he’s feel-good content, with humor, wit, and political savvy. He also has the best-curated dog videos on the web,” Yurkevich tweeted.
CBS News’ Chris Wragge was another to praise the hire, asking CNN or any other news network what took so long to bring in someone like Chapman.
“What took so long? Good work CNN and congrats Rex Chapman. Light it up!” Wragge tweeted.
Last month, Chapman drew sharp criticism when he tweeted that hospitals should turn away unvaccinated patients.
“How about we all agree that hospitals have the right to turn away unvaccinated covid patients?” Chapman tweeted. “They have freedom of choice, too right.”
