CNN faced raised eyebrows on Friday night after mistakenly airing a graphic that referred to an associate of Osama bin Laden as "Obama bin Laden."

This mistake involving the name of former President Barack Obama has brought unwelcome attention to the network, already grappling with declining viewership and strategic changes under new leadership, as the Daily Mail reports.

The error came during a segment hosted by anchor Boris Sanchez about the transfer of illegal migrants to Guantanamo Bay. The graphic erroneously labeled Abu Zubaydah, a long-term detainee in the War on Terror, with a name mixing that of the notorious 9/11 figurehead with former President Barack Obama.

Wider Discussions Emerge on Social Media

Although CNN did not immediately respond to the mistake, it rapidly gained traction on social media platforms. Observers voiced their disbelief and speculated about the nature of the blunder. One person questioned the intent behind the slip-up, stating their doubts about it being a simple "misprint."

The public reaction exposed a broader unease related to CNN's current standing. A user expressed their disappointment by asserting that the network had become a "joke," a sentiment stemming perhaps from CNN's fame waning in recent times due to mounting challenges.

Losing significant talent, such as journalists Jim Acosta and Chris Wallace, has compounded the network's woes. Acosta, who had been offered an undesirable late-night slot, chose to resign, launching instead a Substack news venture.

Changes at the Helm of CNN

The network's trials are tightly linked to the efforts of CEO Mark Thompson, who took on the leadership role in 2023. Tasked with rejuvenating the organization's image, Thompson's measures have included sizable job cuts and a rigorous pivot to digital media.

This strategic revamp prompted layoffs initially publicized in November, adding to an earlier reduction of about 100 positions in the summer. A total of 200 additional employees on the TV side of CNN were also impacted under Thompson's tenure.

Notably, Thompson envisions achieving $1 billion in digital revenue by the year 2030, a goal tied to launching a new lifestyle product within the current year. These digital endeavors follow CNN+'s unsuccessful bid in 2022, which concluded despite a hefty $100 million investment.

Network's Ratings Paint a Bleak Picture

Amidst these operational transitions, CNN finds itself confronting a steep drop in television viewership.

Over recent months, FOX News has reported record ratings, starkly contrasting with CNN’s performance trajectory.

The departures of front-line journalists haven't helped ameliorate public perception. Chris Wallace, having earned $7 million annually, departed due to a proposed salary cut, which echoed the turbulent environment senior staff are navigating within CNN.

In Acosta's farewell message, broadcasted on Jan. 28, he appeared to be sending a pointed statement to his former employer. He urged viewers to hold fast to "truth and hope" amidst present anxieties.

Efforts at Reversing Perceptions

The narrative of declining trust in CNN is further underscored by commentary provided to the Los Angeles Times.

A communications professor lamented the brand's diminishing prestige, pointing to the apparent missteps and legal battles as exacerbating factors.

An anonymous source within CNN confirmed the network's strategic shift towards digital growth under Thompson, reflecting moves meant to capture and engage new demographics.

As CNN navigates this transitional phase, Wolf Blitzer's Situation Room will take over Acosta’s former slot, raising questions about whether new formats will help CNN reclaim footing in the digital-media landscape.

As the network refocuses its resources, attention turns to the effectiveness of these digital strategies in reversing fortunes, augmenting revenue, and enhancing audience reach. The on-air gaffe, unprecedented but remediable, nevertheless reflects broader challenges ahead.