CNN dives into Texas Senate race alongside media partner Jubilee

As James Talarico attempts to turn Texas blue, CNN and Jubilee Media are giving him a chance to meet his constituents online. The two news organizations have joined forces to present CNN & Jubilee Town Hall with James Talarico, a stream hosted by the venerable anchor Erin Burnett.

CNN has long operated at the intersection of politics and digital media

The Atlanta-based cable news pioneer has embraced the disruption brought on by the internet. Way back in 2007, CNN hosted the first-ever “YouTube debate” as part of the Democratic presidential primary. Eventual election winner Barack Obama and several other Dems faced questions from viewers during an innovative event.

As the winds of the digital age have shifted, CNN has adapted. The rise of long-form video convinced CNN to invest in documentary outlet Great Big Story, and it dabbled in creator content through a brief alliance with Casey Neistat.

In the 2020s, creators have established themselves as influential political messengers. Many voters now trust creators more than traditional outlets, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that CNN is trying to borrow some of that credibility. It will stream the town hall on its website and connected TV apps, with VOD content to follow. Don’t be surprised if some of Talarico’s strongest soundbites end up as pieces of short-form content.

CNN’s town hall partner has helped political creators (and candidates) cultivate credibility

Jubilee Media is all about openness. The brand has received millions of views online and has raised funding

by positioning itself as a forum for honest conversation.

That strategy has obvious applications in the political sphere. To gain favor online, candidates need to speak candidly, and Jubilee is a place where they can do that.

Politicians like Talarico and Maryland Governor Wes Moore have stated their positions on Surrounded, a Jubilee series that asks notable people to debate unconvinced opponents. Now, Jubilee is continuing to foster communication by distributing the VOD version of CNN’s town hall on its YouTube channel.

For Texans, the town hall is a full-circle moment

A press release from CNN and Jubilee states that the two organizations invited Talarico’s electoral opponent, Republican Ken Paxton, to participate in the town hall. But there’s no indication that Paxton plans to accept that invitation.

Paxton’s role in this story gives a touch of irony to the proceedings. As the Attorney General of Texas, Paxton has fought hard to strip the protections that allow platforms like YouTube to safely host political speech.

Now, with Section 230 under attack once again, the man attempting to defeat Paxton will meet his constituents in an event that will be (partially) distributed via YouTube. Talarico may not get face time with his opponent during the CNN town hall, but he’ll have plenty of opportunities to address Paxton’s positions — and his views on digital media.