CNN takes flight this Sunday with “Unfollowing the Leader,” the second episode of its documentary series, “Twitter: Breaking the Bird.” This installment shifts from Twitter’s scrappy beginnings to its evolution into a global platform, exploring the internal power struggles and the site’s increasing influence on news and political discourse.
From a niche network for techies and celebrities, Twitter transformed into a digital town square, a change that brought with it new complexities and unforeseen consequences. Co-founders Ev Williams and Biz Stone offer their perspectives on building what they envisioned as a “digital utopia,” and how that vision ultimately shifted. Their accounts provide a human element to the often-opaque world of tech development, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of creating a platform that would reshape communication.
“Unfollowing the Leader” also features the perspectives of those who’ve witnessed Twitter’s journey from the outside, including tech journalists like Kara Swisher and former Twitter employees. These voices add context and critical analysis to the narrative, painting a more complete picture of the forces that shaped the platform.
The episode aims to uncover the behind-the-scenes story of corporate clashes, revolving-door leadership, and the hubris that often accompanies Silicon Valley success stories. Tune in to CNN this Sunday, March 16 at 10:00 PM ET/PT to see how the bird took flight – and where it landed.
