Although not unexpected, CNN’s latest news shows the difficulties are not over.
CNN has released a new episode of its ongoing telenovela. This shows that the internal drama may not be over. Many staffers and broadcasters have reacted to the resignation of President Jeffrey Zucker, with many delivering tear-filled epilogues.
It was implied that an unfair decision was made, as many of the employees were being delivered. However, all indications point to an incoming management team who will clean up and restore the sense of trustworthiness at the network. Upheaval appears to be the condition of things in the meantime, and the recent government approval of the Warner Media- Discovery merger – as well as the impending rollout of the new CNN streaming service – means a state of flux will be ongoing.
The announcement came down last night that Zucker’s paramour, Allison Gollust, was stepping down from her post at CNN, two weeks following her lover’s departure. Both the way that the news was relayed and her explanation for the dismissal indicate that things are not going well at the Atlanta executive suites. Jason Kilar, Warner Media’s CEO, issued a memo to announce the news.
Jason Kilar has a new memo: “The investigation revealed violations of Company policies including CNN’s News Standards and Practices by Jeff Zucker and Allison Gollust.” pic.twitter.com/Xu1HQJw9cT
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) February 16, 2022
Gollust made her own statement about the matter and seems somewhat upset that it was announced in such a manner. She says that the announcement was meant to be made by her and not Kilar.
— Dylan Byers (@DylanByers) February 16, 2022
The interesting aspect of this is that Gollust’s ouster is being presented as something apart from Zucker’s stated reason for his exit. It was then that the explanation was their relationship – something many said was an open secret at the network – was not properly disclosed and violated corporate policy. Yesterday night we learned that Gollust was in violation of corporate guidelines, and not through personal inpropriety, but because he violated professional guidelines. Telling is the phrase, “The investigation found violation of company policies, including CNN’s news standards and practices, by Allison Gollust, Jeff Zucker, and Chris Cuomo.”
It is a truly eye-opening fact. This is a sign that Time Warner has taken a tough stance on the network’s woes. I mentioned in November that the permissiveness of Cuomo’s on-air antics was coming to an end and the primetime host could be facing actual punishment for a change, after years of free rein. Cuomo got suspended a few minutes later and was finally let go.
The telling part of last night’s memo is that not only was there an internal investigation taking place at CNN by an outside entity, but that this has been in the works for months. (Emphasis mine)
An independent legal firm conducted the investigation and was led by a former federal Judge. It was inaugurated in SeptemberThis weekend, they concluded.
It is clear that this detail suggests that at least a five month effort has been underway all of these months. This detail is in contrast to the many CNN personalities that have been shocked and surprised by the events of recent weeks. Jake Tapper, Brian Stelter, and others had to be aware that Warner Media was investigating the matter. Several staff were interviewed and over 100,000 documents and communications were reviewed.
Their surprised reaction looks like a subtle response, even though these journalists may not have known what was going on under their roof. After Zucker’s exodus, Stelter mourned his firing by recalling how he was a fixture and that Brian worked in close proximity to his office. The media monitor seems to have been in complete silence about the investigation into the activities of upper management.
Kilar, along with the new Warner-Discovery management, seem to be setting a new standard. The willingness to use this militant approach towards the top management not only shows that they are able to deal with stubborn talent but also that the bosses will be willing to take extreme action. If they own a network as successful and thriving like CNN, it is very easy to revamp the entire organization from top. This appears more than just a shakeup.
Gollust’s response demonstrates this tendency. Kilar didn’t seem to be interested in respecting her pretended agreement that she would leave on her own terms. The fact that an extensive investigation over the matter revealed that Kilar was guilty of fireable offenses, discredits her claim that she was fired as a form of petty revenge. Chris Cuomo and her are linked by the fact that both Zucker and she were involved in a lengthy investigation into possible fireable offenses.
CNN must feel the tremors caused by the fact that top executives offices have been made vulnerable. Within weeks the show’s top rating was canceled and the CEO sent packing. CNN is not a powerhouse, but it’s impossible to say that anyone in the company has any position of strength.
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