CNN in Talks to Supply News to Networks

Time Warner Inc., which owns Cable News Network, is in talks with CBS, ABC and NBC about supplying them with news as CNN expands and the broadcast networks cut back, Time Warner CEO Gerald Levin said.

“The three major networks are spending a fair amount of money, which they are trying to cut back on for a relatively narrowing news hole,” Levin said in a speech here. “The discussions, which I confirm are taking place and were initiated by them, are simply a reflection of the times.”

Levin said CNN remains committed to its 24-hour news structure and its emphasis on international news gathering, adding that he had “suggested to the networks that they need to out-source some of that to a CNN infrastructure.”