CNN Worldwide president Jeff Zucker, the influential news executive who reshaped the iconic network, abruptly announced Wednesday morning that he has resigned from his position effective immediately.”
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 told employees in a memo.
“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.”
Zucker did not name his colleague in the memo, but the relationship is with Allison Gollust, the chief marketing officer for CNN. Gollust is remaining at CNN.
In a memo of her own, Gollust said, “Jeff and I have been close friends and professional partners for over 20 years. Recently, our relationship changed during COVID. I regret that we didn’t disclose it at the right time. I’m incredibly proud of my time at CNN and look forward to continuing the great work we do everyday.”
News of Zucker’s resignation left staffers inside the network in shock. Employees at the company learned of his sudden departure in the memo Zucker sent to staff shortly after 11 a.m. ET.
In an email to staffers sent shortly after Zucker’s, Jason Kilar, the CEO of CNN parent Warner Media, said, “I have accepted Jeff Zucker’s resignation as Chairman of Warner Media News and Sports, and President of CNN Worldwide. We thank Jeff for his contributions over the past 9 years.”
Kilar added, “We will be announcing an interim leadership plan shortly. Both of these organizations are at the top of their respective games and are well prepared for their next chapters.”
Zucker is one of the most powerful and influential executives in the media industry. His abrupt resignation comes as Warner Media is in the process of merging with Discovery. It also comes as CNN plans to launch a streaming service, CNN+, in the Spring.
Zucker took over CNN in 2013, at a time when industry observers said the network was facing an identity crisis.
Zucker revamped the network’s programming. A veteran of NBC, where he climbed from a producer on the “Today” show to president of the entire network, Zucker brought an eye for news and talent. He also brought a hands-on management style and gained the trust and respect of talent and staffers throughout the network.
In recent years, Zucker led the network as it faced sustained attacks from former President Trump and his supporters. Under Zucker, CNN adopted a “Facts First” slogan and approach to the news and was unrelenting in calling out Trump for his lies.
The approach turned Zucker into a villain for Trump, with the then-president lashing out at him during his years in office. Zucker also became a regular boogeyman in right-wing media, with Fox hosts viciously attacking him in prime time.
It was all evidence of Zucker’s larger-than-life status in the news business and influence over the broader discourse in American politics.
Let’s see if Whoopi has the wherewithal to do the same!
She needs to go,a waste to society,using her position to hurt people by her words and actions.
Zucker has a conscience, and realized that CNN does not, so he’s leaving the crooked network. To think anything else is to be delusional of overwhelming evidence. CNN does not know what verifiable truth is. They will continue to proffer lies about conservatives and millions of supporting voters. Eventually the truth will set us free. CNN will be in chains forever or at least until it changes its name and reports truth.
Says the guy that I’d bet the farm watches Fox News who have been proven time and again to constantly lie to fit a narrative and voted for trump who lies every third word out of his mouth.
Hunter Biden is a complete FAILURE of a human being. To the demise of AMERICA> Thousands of BLACK and other AMERICANS in jail for the same damn crimes Hunter Biden has done and yet NOT IN JAIL.
Talk about WHITE RICH PRIVILEGE. What IDIOT Democrat who preach equal justice and equality would ever vote for this POS Aged dementia riden PUPPET controlled BIDEN? Something is definately wrong in their brain. F all of them, so done with these imbeciles. If you care about America you need to VOTE REPUBLICAN in the next election. If you go back to democrat later, fine, but for GOD”S sakes VOTE REPUBLICAN IN 2024 to SAVE AMERICA. And GET OVER TRUMP is a liar you damn FOOLS. biden is a pathetic scumbag LIAR who has sold out AMERICA, but yes, just sti their lie dum as@ fools and keep voting democrat. Idiots!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!