From this…

What used to be known as CNN Headline News will soon become a network devoted to following popular websites and blogs to cover the latest viral social media stories to attract a younger audience.

HLN is dropping much of its news format, considered too stuffy to attract the under-34 crowd, and will instead focus on the most-Tweeted stories, the ‘coolest viral videos,’ and other trending topics making the rounds around the web.

“Taking a cue from today’s connected and wildly social generation, HLN will curate the news from across all platforms,” trumpets the HLN press release. “Headlines will be ripped from the most ‘plugged-in’ sites and blogs, and HLN will make it its mission to share the trending news, viral events and stories that have viewers most obsessed, plus discover emerging social stars.”

…to more of this.

In a nod to the growing trend of the self-obsessed and the “15-minutes of fame” crowd, new HLN head Albie Hecht told Buzzfeed’s Peter Lauria he was toying with a new tagline for HLN: “We’re not the news, you are.”

The new format is designed to chase off HLN’s older audience in favor of “millennial-minded viewers.” Advertisers consider the 18-34 demographic the sweet spot, and are not particularly interested in reaching anyone 50 or older (unless they are selling mobility products, life insurance, reverse mortgages, and home medical supplies.) That is what Me-TV is for.

The first new show to appear on HLN’s new format is “RightThisMinute,” featuring the stories behind viral Internet videos. Audience members will be encouraged to take part through social media like Twitter and Facebook.

Those annoyed with Nancy Grace and HLN’s other personality-driven programming are out of luck. HLN will retool prime time programs like “Nancy Grace” and “Dr. Drew on Call” to incorporate more social media interaction, but the programming will remain a major part of HLN’s new format.