Media World Stunned By Sudden Resignation of CNN Chief Jeff Zucker: ‘A Cable-News Cataclysm’

Alex GriffingFeb 2nd, 2022, 11:34 am
 

Jeff Zucker, the head of CNN and CEO of NBCUniversal announced his resignation in an email to staff on Wednesday – leaving the media world stunned.

Zucker wrote in his resignation letter:

“As part of the investigation into Chris Cuomo’s tenure at CNN, I was asked about a consensual relationship with my closest colleague, someone have worked with for more than 20 years. I acknowledged the relationship evolved in recent years. I was required to disclose it when it began but I didn’t. I was wrong. As a result, I am resigning today.”

2021 proved a rough year for CNN as it ended the year in a solid third place in the ratings, having fired its top-rated host Chris Cuomo for his role in helping his brother, then Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-NY), fight off sexual harassment allegations.

CNN media reporter Brian Stelter tweeted out the shocking news, immediately sparking reactions from across the political spectrum.

While Zucker did not say the name of the woman he was involved with, Stelter later read a statement on air from Allison Gollust, the chief marketing officer at CNN, confirming the relationship. Gollust was also the communications director to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Chris Cuomo’s brother, for a short period of time.

Reporting from Politico and Puck News regarding the legal pressure Zucker was under due to his own “personal conflict of interest” while engaged in a legal battle with former CNN host Chris Cuomo – who was fired from the network for a conflict of interest regarding his brother – fueled speculation that Cuomo played a part in Zucker’s surprise exit.

Former New York Times media columnist Ben Smith noted, “The Cuomo blast radius is incredible.” Washington Post’s media critic Eric Wemple added, “This is a cable-news cataclysm.”

Others were quick to pounce on Zucker’s management of CNN. Vox’s Ian Millhiser wrote, “I feel like Jeff Zucker has done an objectively terrible job of running CNN. Its ratings are in the toilet. And I have no idea who they view as their target audience, or even if it has occurred to them to target a particular audience.”

The Washington Examiner’s Seth Mandel reacted, joking, “Now how is Trump gonna get elected again??”

Below are an assortment of more reactions from across the media world:

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Alex Griffing - Senior Editor

Alex Griffing is a Senior Editor at Mediaite. Send tips via email: alexanderg@mediaite.com. Follow him on Twitter: @alexgriffing