This is a matter for which even Jeff Zucker, the CNN chief, must answer to an authority higher than him..
Interesting grist was found recently in the news that John Malone (billionaire media mogul) made remarks aboutCNN returns to journalism. “I would like to see CNN evolve back to the kind of journalism that it started with, and actually have journalists, which would be unique and refreshing,” Liberty Media’s head said that Liberty Media has a substantial stake in Warners-Discovery. This led to some amusing thoughts in certain circles. Jim Acosta and Brian Stelter were both a bit scared by the idea of returning to journalism.?
Since Malone’s comments, the ever-widening scandal of Chris Cuomo developed further, with the revelations this week of his deeper involvement in his brother Andrew’s sex scandals becoming revealed. Chris was suspended from the network on Tuesday. His fate seems a bit more uncertain than expected. On first glance, it seems that he will eventually reclaim the chair in the primetime slot which he has held for many years. He will be back in primetime, after all. It isIt was the network that allowed Jeffrey Toobin on-air again. But when looking at the recent acquisition, things seem less solid for Cuomo’s future.
CNN’s future was the first thing to think about when the Warner-Discovery merger was revealed. There was long-simmering speculation that Jeff Zucker was eyeing the exit doors, considering the network’s ratings and fortunes had been eroding consistently, and it was also suggested the new merger would see the conglomerate selling or spinning off the money-losing asset. When Discovery CEO David Zaslav was named as the new chief executive officer, the talk of a possible exit began to change.
Zaslav, who was instrumental in creating MSNBC/CNBC, has extensive experience with news. He also is an ally of Zucker’s, and Zaslav’s ascension means Jeff is not likely going anywhere soon. CNN has the same problem. CNN is not the only network working on a streaming service. John Malone probably dismissed the notion of CNN being dispatched.. “A coward’s way out would be to sell or spin it off and then sell it,” His position.
This brings us to his comment about returning the network to an earlier standard of journalistic integrity. There were many signs that he was referring to a possible fix. The revelation that Chris Cuomo was even deeper in his involvement with his brother’s scandal could mean a dire reckoning for the star. CNN has maintained a neutral stance on his ethics for well over a decade, however there are some policies with the parent company which could prove problematic.
Warner Media’s guidebook sets out the guidelines for their business operations. This includes the activities that Chris Cuomo has described. The following is the Warner Media Standards of Business Conduct the corporation addresses specifically the case where it is inappropriate for employees to involve themselves with family matters which could impact negatively on business operations. You can find this information in the section under the heading We do not allow conflicts of interests. [Page 16 in the manual, found on pg. 21 of the PDF]
When a family member’s or personal interest conflicts with the Company’s ability to make good business decisions, it is called a conflict of interest. Even the appearances of conflicts can prove to be costly for the Company.
Cuomo’s case is not just a clear application here, but once you add in journalistic entanglements they only compound the problem caused by his actions. Cuomo Family Interest clearly interacted with sound decisions. It shredded objectivity. Chris Cuomo behavior is a clear example of this.
None of this paints a hopeful picture for the future of CNN’s top-rated host. He may still find his way back onto the airwaves – this is CNN, after all, and the network has shown it is not at all concerned with the portrayal of its character when it comes to the talent they permit to be seen and heard on its broadcasts. As he begins this mandatory sabbatical the conversations at CNN corporate will likely diverge from their usual planning about how to get him back on air.
It is possible that the executives of the parent division are directing how to enact reprisals in order to bring back the old-school journalist standards to the news section. Should this take place, and Warners-Discovery seeks to get towards that news standard that John Malone referred to as “Unique and refreshing” Chris Cuomo might end up facing a fate similar to that of his ostracized brother from the New York governor’s mansion.
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