The Networks Loved Porn Lawyer Avenatti, But Bury His New Prison Term

A man once thought of as a Democratic Presidential candidate was just sentenced to more time in prison. On Thursday, Michael Avenatti, a creepy porn lawyer was sentenced to four years imprisonment for his theft from Stormy Daniels. Yet, CNN, CBS, and ABC, which had repeatedly promoted the idea of President Avenatti’s existence, ignored the facts. 

ABC’s morning and evening newscasts on Thursday and Friday totally censored it. On CBS, you could see the latest — if you happened to be up and watching the CBS Morning NewsFriday at 4:11 AM Otherwise, there was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it seven second mention in the CBS Mornings “eye opener” tease on Friday. 

NBC did slightly better, allowing a scant 22 seconds on Friday’s Today. News reader Tom Llamas explained: 

Yesterday, Michael Avenatti, a disgraced lawyer was sentenced to four years imprisonment for his theft from Stormy Daniels. Avenatti was wrongfully able to pocket $300,000 intended for the star of adult films. He was also convicted for identity theft and wire fraud. This money was part the advance Daniels received for her 2018 explosive memoir. Full disclosure 

The networks saw that Avenatti, the noble Avenatti, would be running against Donald Trump and broadcast 24 of his appearances on ABC, CBS, NBC. (12, 7, and 5 respectively on ABC, CBS, and NBC. 

But that’s nothing compared to CNN. CNN gave 122 interviews to the porn lawyer. This is something Fox anchor Bret Baier subtly mocked on Thursday. As a picture of Avenatti and CNN’s Brian Stelter appeared on-screen, he reminded, “The lawyer was something of a media sensation of his criticism of then President Trump and look at that picture and his flirtation with his own presidential run.” 

CNN.com only reported one story Thursday on the Avenatti sentence. CNN.com ignored the story both Thursday afternoon, and Friday morning. 

CBS and NBC ignored the fact that Avenatti was sentenced to 2021 in prison for trying to extort Nike from $20 million. In February they also ignored the Stormy Danis verdict.

This is the 2019 NewsBusters video editor Bill D’Agostino’s montage video. Warning: It includes media personalities comparing him to “the Holy Spirit.” So you can see why journalists don’t want to talk about Avenatti’s fall from grace.