Isaacson became chairman and CEO of CNN in July 2001 , replacing Tom Johnson , and only two months later guided CNN through the events of 9/11 . Shortly after his appointment at CNN , Isaacson attracted attention for seeking the views of Republican Party leaders on Capitol Hill regarding criticisms that CNN broadcast content that was unfair to Republicans or conservatives . He was quoted in '' Roll Call '' magazine as saying : " I was trying to reach out to a lot of Republicans who feel that CNN has not been as open to covering Republicans , and I wanted to hear their concerns . " The CEO 's conduct was criticized by the Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting ( FAIR ) organization , which said that Isaacson 's " pandering " behavior was endowing conservative politicians with power over CNN
9/11
September 11 attacks
Walter Isaacson