CNN is shuttering it's science news desk.  CNN maintains that this is tactical, merging science coverage into other coverage, and it has nothing to do with the economy.

Considering all the bad news in publishing and news, I can't say I believe that's the entire story (I could see it being one of many tactical decisions to cope with changes).  I'll see what CNN does next.

However as us geeks know, science is an area that doesn't get nearly enough good coverage – my concern is that science coverage will suffer at CNN and if anyone else follows suit, elsewhere.  I get better science news from io9 than some news sources.

Hopefully being fully integrated will give science coverage better leverage at CNN, being integrated into general coverage, but I can't say I'm hopeful.  Science isn't always a snappy, easy sell or story, unless something blows up, kills you, or involves some titillating aspect.  Admittedly watching the news meltdown lately could have made me  . . . well, more cynical.

But since I always look for what's next, this may be a chance for other science publications and news channels to step up to the plate, do more, or at least raise cain about science coverage.  If anything else news organizations are desperate to stay afloat, so any pressure may get results.

- Steve