CNN’s new owner sees Jeff Zucker exit as ‘fresh start’

Jeff Zucker and Allison Gollust, pictured with Tom Brokaw, admitted to failing to correctly disclose their relationship.
Patrick McMullan by way of Getty Picture

Jeff Zucker’s sudden resignation from CNN shocked firm workers and tv personalities alike, nevertheless it reportedly isn’t a supply of main issues for the executives at Discovery Inc., the community’s future guardian firm.

Discovery Inc. executives are treating Zucker’s premature exit as a “recent begin” for CNN forward of a pending merger with WarnerMedia, in line with CNN’s media reporter, Brian Stelter.

Discovery’s high boss obtained no advance discover that Zucker would step down for failing to correctly disclose a relationship with one other senior government. Discovery CEO David Zaslav — described as a “longtime buddy” of Zucker — was reportedly knowledgeable of his impending resignation simply hours earlier than it occurred.

CNN misplaced its president simply weeks earlier than the community is scheduled to launch its CNN+ streaming service — an initiative touted as a serious anchor for its future.

Discovery is anticipated to nominate Zucker’s everlasting alternative when the merger with WarnerMedia receives formal approval. Sources instructed Stelter the deal is anticipated to be accomplished by April or Might of this yr.

Gollust, a former communications director for ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo, didn't resign from her place at CNN.

AP

Stelter famous stories that Zucker’s exit might finally give Zaslav extra management over operations at CNN and its fledging streaming service, with out the departed government’s affect.

Within the meantime, WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar appointed a trio of longtime CNN executives — Michael Bass, Amy Entelis and Ken Jautz — to take over Zucker’s tasks. In early employees conferences, the three executives have reportedly acknowledged that “many unknowns” stay concerning the community’s present course.

Zucker had served as president of CNN Worldwide since 2013. He additionally oversaw WarnerMedia’s Turner Sports activities division previous to his departure.

Discovery’s merger with WarnerMedia is anticipated to shut later this spring.

REUTERS

In his resignation memo to staffers, Zucker mentioned his romantic relationship with the chief — later recognized as CNN chief advertising and marketing officer Allison Gollust — emerged throughout an investigation into fired CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, who was scrutinized for his involvement in aiding his brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, in his response to allegations of sexual misconduct.

“As a part of the investigation into Chris Cuomo’s tenure at CNN, I used to be requested a couple of consensual relationship with my closest colleague, somebody I've labored with for greater than 20 years,” Zucker mentioned. “I acknowledged the connection advanced lately. I used to be required to reveal it when it started however I didn’t. I used to be unsuitable. In consequence, I'm resigning immediately.”

The Put up reported that Zucker and Gollust additionally had an inappropriately shut relationship with Gov. Cuomo — together with calls to advise him on easy methods to reply at press conferences throughout his feud with President Donald Trump.