Jeff Zucker Resigns as Head of CNN Over Relationship With Senior Executive
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Jeff Zucker, the longtime head of CNN and news industry titan, announced his resignation on Wednesday.
“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,” Zucker wrote in an email to staff. “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,” he said.
Chris Cuomo, the former CNN anchor who hosted the network’s 9 p.m. hour, was fired by the network late last year over his actions advising his brother, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
While Zucker did not name the colleague with whom he had a relationship in his email, he is referring to Allison Gollust, the chief marketing officer and a senior vice president at CNN.
Gollust acknowledged the relationship in a statement of her own that was reported by CNN.
“Jeff and I have been close friends and professional partners for over 20 years,” she said. “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.”
CNN host Brian Stelter was first to break the shocking news on Wednesday.
Read the full memo below.
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.
I came to CNN on January 28, 2013. Together, we had nine great years. I certainly wish my tenure here had ended differently. But it was an amazing run. And I loved every minute. I am grateful to the thousands of incredibly talented CNN and Turner Sports employees who helped make this such a joy for me, and such a success for all of us.
I wish each of you nothing but the best in the years ahead.
With gratitude and much love.
Jeff
Jason Kilar, the CEO of CNN parent company WarnerMedia, announced in his own memo obtained by Mediaite that executives Michael Bass, Amy Entelis and Ken Jautz would be taking over the network as interim co-heads:
Team News and Sports –
We are fortunate to have three senior leaders within the News organization who have agreed to serve as interim co-heads for CNN beginning today through what you should anticipate will be through the close of the pending transaction with Discovery. These leaders are Michael Bass, Amy Entelis and Ken Jautz.
I have full confidence that Michael, Amy and Ken, as interim heads for News, will provide the leadership this organization needs during this time of transition.
Lenny Daniels will continue to serve as President and lead Turner Sports & Bleacher Report.
Patrick Crumb will continue as President and head of the regional sports networks.
You will hear more from Michael, Amy, Ken, Lenny, and Patrick in the coming days but I wanted you to be aware of these decisions that have been made.
Jason
This story is breaking and will be updated…
