CNN Underscored, a product recommendation site operated by CNN, features a dedicated Money section. But a closer look reveals inconsistencies suggesting Cnn Underscored Money might be run by an entirely different entity. This raises questions about transparency and potential conflicts of interest.
Unveiling Discrepancies within CNN Underscored Money
Several red flags point to the possibility that CNN Underscored Money operates independently from CNN Underscored:
- Staff Bios: While CNN Underscored staff display cnn.com email addresses, CNN Underscored Money staff use wbdcontractor.com, suggesting a contractor relationship rather than full-time employment. Notably, even the Lead Editor for the Money section is listed as a contractor. This separation extends to the “About Us” page where Money staff are listed separately.
- Website Navigation: Subtle yet significant differences exist between the navigation bars of CNN Underscored and its Money section. These discrepancies include variations in category listings, button styling, dropdown arrow presence, and affiliate disclaimer formatting. A deeper dive into the source code reveals further disparities.
- Distinct Websites: Code analysis reveals fundamental differences, indicating separate WordPress installations and unique implementations of tools like Google Tag Manager and Optimizely. This unusual setup suggests a deliberate separation between the two sections.
- Conflicting Privacy Policies: While CNN Underscored links to the Warner Bros. Discovery Privacy Center, CNN Underscored Money boasts a completely different privacy policy hosted on a unique URL: www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/money/privacy. This policy identifies “Solutions Underscored LLC” as the operating entity.
Image: Discrepancies in navigation bars hint at separate websites.
Who is Solutions Underscored LLC?
Public records reveal that Solutions Underscored LLC, the company behind CNN Underscored Money, is managed and authorized by Thomas Callahan. Interestingly, an individual with the same name is listed as the CFO of Forbes Marketplace, an affiliate marketing company known for its controversial practices on Forbes.com.
Business registration document showing Thomas Callahan as manager of Solutions Underscored LLC.
Image: Business registration of Solutions Underscored LLC.
Potential Implications and Concerns
This potential connection between CNN Underscored Money and Forbes Marketplace raises concerns:
- Transparency: The lack of clear disclosure regarding the relationship between CNN and Solutions Underscored LLC could mislead users into believing the Money section operates under the same editorial standards as the rest of CNN.
- Conflicts of Interest: Given the affiliate marketing nature of the content, the involvement of a separate entity managed by a figure linked to a controversial affiliate company raises questions about potential bias in product recommendations.
- Editorial Integrity: The use of contractors for the Money section, coupled with the potential influence of an external affiliate marketing company, could compromise the editorial independence and objectivity of CNN Underscored Money.
Conclusion: Demanding Transparency from CNN Underscored Money
The evidence suggests a deliberate attempt to obscure the true nature of CNN Underscored Money’s operations. This lack of transparency raises serious questions about editorial integrity and potential conflicts of interest. CNN should provide full disclosure regarding its relationship with Solutions Underscored LLC and address concerns surrounding the independence and objectivity of its financial product recommendations. Until then, readers should approach CNN Underscored Money content with a healthy dose of skepticism. Further investigation is needed to fully understand the extent of this relationship and its impact on the information presented to consumers seeking financial guidance.
