Jeff Zucker Resigns As Head Of CNN, Citing Failure To Disclose “Consensual Relationship” With A Colleague
02.02.2022 - 19:27
/ deadline.com
Jeff Zucker has resigned as the president of CNN, citing his failure to disclose what he characterized as a “consensual relationship” with a colleague.
“As part of the investigation into Chris Cuomo’s tenure at CNN, I was asked about a consensual relationship with my closest colleague, someone I have worked with for more than 20 years,” Zucker wrote. “I acknowledged the relationship evolved in recent years. I was required to disclose it when I began but I didn’t. I was wrong.”
Zucker’s departure ends a nine-year tenure at the network, as he transformed the 24-hour news channel into one that highlighted personalities and single-storylines and, during Donald Trump’s presidency, was often a target of White House attacks.
Zucker had been expected to depart at the end of last year, but that was pushed back as Discovery completes the purchase of WarnerMedia. He’s been instrumental in developing CNN+, the network’s upcoming subscription streaming service, with huge sums poured into luring new talent and creating new programming.
The network’s Brian Stelter broke the news, posting Zucker’s announcement to staff.
Jeff Zucker just announced his resignation to a stunned CNN. pic.twitter.com/sWXYNBO20d
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) February 2, 2022
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