CNN Expands Coverage with New Senior Style Reporter Rachel Tashjian
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CNN is broadening its editorial focus, moving beyond traditional political and global news to invest in lifestyle and cultural coverage. The network announced on Thursday the hiring of Rachel Tashjian as a senior style reporter, signaling a strategic shift towards a more diverse content portfolio and a new digital subscription service.
CNN has long been a fixture in the realm of political reporting, but the network is now preparing to make a significant impact on the fashion world. Tashjian, formerly the fashion critic for The Washington Post, will join a team dedicated to developing feature-length journalism for a forthcoming digital product. This initiative aims to highlight topics often overlooked in the network’s primetime television programming.
A New Focus on Features and Digital Subscriptions
The expansion into style reporting is spearheaded by Choire Sicha, who was brought on in May to cultivate a team of journalists focused on in-depth features. Tashjian will report directly to Fiona Sinclair Scott, global editor of CNN Style.
“I am absolutely stoked that I finally get to work with Rachel,” Sicha said in a statement. “She is a brilliant reporter who is also perfectly hilarious, insightful, curious and empathetic, whether she’s writing about thrifting or about Dior.”
This move coincides with CNN’s efforts to diversify its revenue streams and attract a wider audience through a new digital subscription service. Advertisements for the service promise access to “unlimited streaming and articles, including 24/7 global news, award-winning shows and films and more.” According to CNN CEO Mark Thompson, the company is actively working to reduce its reliance on traditional cable distribution and cultivate new avenues for customer engagement and revenue generation.
Competition in the Fashion Journalism Landscape
Tashjian’s arrival at CNN positions the network to compete directly with established media outlets like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, both of which have significantly invested in fashion coverage. Beyond her experience at The Washington Post, Tashjian brings a wealth of knowledge from previous roles as fashion news director at Harper’s Bazaar and the first fashion critic at GQ. She has profiled prominent designers including Miuccia Prada of Prada, Maria Grazia Chiuri of Dior, and Nicolas Ghesquière of Louis Vuitton.
Tashjian also founded Opulent Tips, an exclusive newsletter offering personal style and shopping recommendations. This entrepreneurial venture demonstrates her deep understanding of the fashion industry and her ability to cultivate a dedicated audience.
Educational Background and Location
Tashjian is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in both English and art history. She will be based at CNN’s New York Bureau, allowing her to tap into the city’s vibrant fashion scene and establish connections with key industry players.
The hiring of Tashjian represents a calculated step by CNN to broaden its appeal and establish itself as a comprehensive source of news and information, extending beyond the political sphere and into the world of style and culture.
