Great Big StoryEdit

Great Big Story was an American digital media project that operated as a storytelling platform under the umbrella of CNN. Launched in the mid-2010s, it specialized in short-form, cinematic documentaries and human-interest pieces designed for distribution on YouTube and other social platforms. Unlike conventional news programs, the project aimed to travel, presenting vivid visuals and accessible narratives about people, places, and ideas from around the world. In doing so, it reflected a broader industry push toward digital-first, shareable content that could reach younger audiences without relying on traditional broadcast slots.

From a vantage point that emphasizes entrepreneurship, personal responsibility, and skepticism toward activism-driven media narratives, this article situates Great Big Story within ongoing debates about how modern media should tell stories, allocate resources, and balance entertainment with informational value. The following account covers its origins, style, reception, and the controversies surrounding its operation, including debates about cultural representation and the role of storytelling in society.

History

Origins and launch

Great Big Story was created as a CNN-related venture to explore the world through compact, high-quality videos. It positioned itself as a complements to traditional reporting—an outlet that could spotlight unusual jobs, cultural traditions, technological innovations, and historical curiosities that did not always fit into a standard news package. The aim was to capture attention in an era of rapid scrolling and short attention spans, leveraging the strengths of short-form video and cinematic production.

Growth and strategy

During its operation, Great Big Story built a global network of contributors and producers, producing hundreds of videos across a range of topics, from science and engineering to food, travel, and human-interest stories. Its distribution strategy relied heavily on YouTube and other social platforms, with the hope of creating shareable content that could travel beyond the reach of traditional media audiences. The project stayed connected to its parent organization in the sense that it reflected CNN's broader brand ambitions while seeking to carve out a more visual, narrative-driven niche.

Closure

In 2019, CNN announced the shuttering of Great Big Story as part of a broader realignment of its digital strategy and cost-cutting measures. The decision ended a distinct chapter in CNN's approach to digital storytelling, though some of the content and talent continued to contribute to other CNN properties or related media projects.

Programming and style

Short-form documentaries: A hallmark of Great Big Story was video pieces that ran only a few minutes, designed to be consumed quickly on mobile devices and social feeds.
Cinematic presentation: The videos emphasized high production values, with careful framing, lighting, and music to evoke a sense of discovery and wonder.
Global scope: Topics ranged from local crafts and unique professions to science breakthroughs and cultural traditions, often highlighting underrepresented communities or unusual perspectives.
Narrative voice and accessibility: The storytelling favored clear narration, engaging anecdotes, and a positive or uplifting tone, making complex or distant topics approachable for a broad audience.
Language and presentation: The platform showcased a variety of subjects with minimal political framing, focusing on human achievement, curiosity, and resilience. It used a multimedia approach that included still photography, animation, and voiceover to guide the viewer.

For readers seeking comparable formats, see documentary and short-form video. The project’s work was distributed through YouTube and Facebook, among other platforms, illustrating the shift toward multi-channel digital storytelling in modern media.

Reception and impact

Great Big Story drew praise for its artistry, its ability to illuminate diverse topics, and its capacity to tell meaningful human stories in a compact format. Viewers often found value in the platform’s celebration of ingenuity, culture, and everyday heroism, which stood in contrast to more controversial, opinion-driven media coverage. The style appealed to audiences looking for a mood of curiosity and inspiration, rather than partisan debate or alarmism.

Critics, however, pointed out that the outlet’s content tended to sidestep hard-nosed investigative journalism in favor of feel-good narratives. Some observers argued that the platform risked presenting a sanitized version of reality—retaining a glossy, marketable veneer while avoiding deeper political or economic analysis. Proponents of a more traditional, news-focused model contended that important civic issues deserved direct examination rather than being framed primarily as uplifting stories.

From a broader media perspective, Great Big Story contributed to the ongoing debate about the balance between entertainment value and informational depth in digital storytelling. Its existence underscored the demand for shorter, shareable pieces that could coexist with longer, more rigorous reporting within a single media ecosystem.

Controversies and debates

Representation and cultural framing: As with many global storytelling efforts, critics debated whether the platform’s pieces sometimes exoticized or prioritized novelty over nuanced understanding of local contexts. Proponents argued that highlighting diverse cultures and experiences broadens audience horizons, while detractors warned against superficial depictions that perpetuate stereotypes.
Hard news versus soft storytelling: The platform’s emphasis on uplifting, human-interest narratives led some to question whether it complemented or diluted traditional news coverage. Supporters said such content broadens public curiosity and appreciation for human achievement, while critics argued that it could underplay urgent issues requiring policy-oriented inquiry.
The woke critique and its limits: In debates about media bias, some observers described Great Big Story as part of a broader cultural milieu that emphasizes inclusivity and global connectedness. From a viewpoint grounded in traditional media skepticism, critics sometimes framed these choices as advocacy rather than journalism. Advocates for the project—who would argue the platform offered value by showcasing views and talents often overlooked by mainstream outlets—counter that the focus on universal themes does not erase the importance of rigorous reporting on systems, governance, and accountability. Those who dispute the charge that its approach reflects a progressive media agenda typically maintain that storytelling about people and their ingenuity serves a complementary role to hard news.
Economic and organizational dynamics: The closure of Great Big Story mirrored broader challenges in digital media, including monetization pressures, competition for attention, and the difficulty of sustaining a large, production-heavy operation within a major media organization. Critics of the corporate restructuring trend argued that such moves risk diminishing experimental storytelling, while supporters argued they were a necessary step in aligning resources with audience demand and profitability.