CNN Cutting Science And Technology Unit

Miles O'Brien is leaving CNN after 16 years. For most of that time, he was CNN's chief science and technology correspondent. The network is disbanding its science and technology unit, turning that coverage over to general editorial assignments.

It's an unfortunate decision. In a world increasingly dependenr on, and threatened by, technology, more knowledgeable coverage is called for, not less. In a time of regular scientific discoveries and breakthroughs, explaining them correctly and putting them in the proper context is important. In a world threatened by fanaticism, covering a process of rational debate based on evidence and our understanding of how the universe actually works is useful.

The next decade or so may well see revolutions in space travel, astronomy, physics, medicine, energy production, and more. CNN seems to think much of that doesn't merit thoughtful, thorough coverage. Other networks, hopefully, will see their civic duty differently.