Andrew Kaczynski and Team Leave BuzzFeed for CNN
Andrew Kaczynski and his top news-gathering operatives at Buzzfeed have left their website today, and have been hired by CNN.
Kaczynski’s transition was confirmed on Monday, along with that of editor Kyle Blaine and reporters Nate McDermott and Christopher Massie. The four figures made up Buzzfeed’s K-File, which looked through the pasts of every 2016 candidate, and made several prominent discoveries throughout the election season.
Kaczynski said in an interview that the decision was rushed, which he attributed to the need to cover the election in its final stages. Per HuffPost:
“Kaczynski stressed that the decision to leave ― and the abruptness of his departure ― was motivated by what “CNN brought to the table” rather than a reflection on BuzzFeed. He said the network can offer “unparalleled” resources and promotion for his team’s work, providing the opportunity to “influence the political debate in this country in a powerful way.”
“To be at the biggest name in news for the last month of what has been the craziest election in modern history is just a great opportunity for me and everybody on our team,” he said. “When the opportunity was there, we made sure we took it.”
The news is particularly interesting, considering how multiple CNNers (including company president Jeff Zucker) have been dismissive towards Buzzfeed in the past and said they weren’t a “legitimate” news source. Buzzfeed Editor-in-Chief Ben Smith had this to say about the news:
I guess this means that CNN has seen the value in doing the kind of tough reporting on Trump @BuzzFeedNews has been doing all cycle…
— Ben Smith (@BuzzFeedBen) October 3, 2016
….we wish @buzzfeedandrew good luck.
— Ben Smith (@BuzzFeedBen) October 3, 2016
Kaczynski had this to say:
Going to miss my BuzzFeed family, and so grateful for the mentorship and opportunity given to me by @BuzzFeedBen, @katherinemiller.
— andrew kaczynski (@BuzzFeedAndrew) October 3, 2016
[Image via screengrab]
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