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The paradox of Jeff Zucker

  • apekary
  • Oct 2, 2020
  • 2 min read

In my last column for Columbia Journalism Review, I wrote about how CNN's President was caught on tape helping Donald Trump during the 2016 election. Since that post, I have talked to people who know Jeff Zucker and they described the good and the bad. One industry veteran thinks Zucker is the best person for the job and trusts him thoroughly, while acknowledging the destructive nature of commercial broadcast news. Another former CNN employee described Zucker's obsession with the ratings. In this piece, I try to square the various opinions. I conclude he's paradoxical, like many producers I know from my time in cable news.


This week's debate was a reference point when I talked to people this week. A former colleague of Zucker's defended CNN's analysis, citing the Fact Checker segments with Daniel Dale. Now a CNN reporter, Dale is invaluable to correct the record in real time. But I think the bar has been lowered so far, that even self-aware producers give too much credit to the state of TV news. I thought CNN's coverage was standard outrage TV, ultimately motivated by the need to profit. Seasoned political journalists clutched their pearls at the sight of an outrageous politician doing outrageous things.


Now, I understand the challenge. But the network continually fails to recognize that there are two candidates in this election. CNN let Donald Trump dominate the narrative. No, journalists can't ignore his behavior altogether, but they shouldn't ignore Joe Biden, either, whether it's to praise or criticize him. In the end, that is a disservice to voters and this election. We ought to call on CNN (and all of the commercial networks) to focus on covering these candidates and their policies appropriately and thoroughly, rather than treating the election as a way to increase their bank accounts.


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12 Comments


data M
data M
Jun 02

2. 3D Printer Electrical Noise and 3D Printer Interference

Modern 3D printers rely on precise stepper motor movements and 3D Printer accurate temperature readings. Electrical noise can disrupt these:

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data M
data M
Jun 02

Student Reflection

While common 3D printing issues like stringing, warping, and layer shifting are widely discussed, there are several less commonly acknowledged or understood problems that can significantly impact print quality and machine longevity. Here are some of those "less known" issues:

Less Known Issues in 3D Printing

1. 3D Printing Filament Moisture Absorption (beyond the obvious "3D Printer popping")

 

 

Most users know that wet filament can cause popping sounds and visibly poor prints (stringing, bubbles). However, the subtle effects are often overlooked:

 

 

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data M
data M
Jun 02
  • 3D Printer Uneven Footing/3D Printer Surface: A print surface that isn't perfectly rigid or level can introduce subtle rocking or movement during printing, even if the printer itself feels stable, leading to inconsistent layer height or bed adhesion.

  • 3D Printer Internal Vibrations: Motors, fans, or even poorly tightened bolts within the printer itself can create subtle vibrations that transmit through the frame and affect print quality, especially on machines without robust frames. 

6. 3D Printer Aging and 3D Printer Wear of Components

Printers, like any machine, degrade over time, often subtly:

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data M
data M
Jun 02

5. Subtleties of 3D Printer Vibration Management

Beyond just making the printer stable:

Like

data M
data M
Jun 02

Less Known Issues in 3D Printing

1. 3D Printing Filament Moisture Absorption (beyond the obvious "3D Printer popping")

 

 

Most users know that wet filament can cause popping sounds and visibly poor prints (stringing, bubbles). However, the subtle effects are often overlooked:

 

 

Like

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