CNN to Promote Nonfiction TV, not Reality TV, Network Says

By BILL CARTER

CNN says it is not getting into the reality television business, though it is considering adding weekend programs that are similar to a documentary-style travel show hosted by Anthony Bourdain that it will begin showing next year.

Responding to a report in The New York Post on Monday that it was entering into discussions about adding reality shows to its lineup, CNN issued a statement saying:

CNN, which recently announced the hiring of Anthony Bourdain as a contributor, is continuing to explore other nonfiction original series for the weekend. We routinely pursue new talent and programming concepts within the news category and often shoot pilots for any number of our networks.

Mr. Bourdain produces his CNN show through his own production company.

A CNN executive emphasized the distinction between reality shows, which on entertainment channels lean toward competitions like “Survivorâ € and celebrity slice-of-life series like “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” and nonfiction programs, which are routine on news channels.

Other news networks do offer packaged nonfiction programs on the weekends. MSNBC has long relied on “Lockup,” a prison documentary series. And Fox News has presented the military history series “War Stories With Oliver North.”

CNN is clearly seeking new directions for its programs. Its ratings have recently hit 20-year lows and Jim Walton announced in July that he was stepping down as president, saying, “CNN needs new thinking.”

But his departure will not take place until the end of the year, which has led to speculation about who might replace Mr. Walton. Any major changes in the direction of CNN will most likely not take place until after a new top executive is named.

Bill Carter writes about the television industry. Follow @wjcarter on Twitter.