We're seeing a rather amazing development among professional journalists following the release of CNN's Prime Time broadcast presenter Chris Cuomo's testimony confirming his very active role in assisting his brother, resigned-in-disgrace Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, as he faced allegations of sexually harassing multiple women.
- CNN Says It Will Review Texts And Testimony Shedding New Light On Role Chris Cuomo Played In Assisting Brother Andrew Cuomo’s Team
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This first excerpt reveals that "journalist" Chris Cuomo failed to acknowledge any aspect of the release of transcripts involving his role in Andrew M. Cuomo's efforts to acquire knowledge about which women would come forward to accuse Cuomo of sexually harassing them.
Chris Cuomo did not address the new trove of documents released by New York’s attorney general showing the extent to which he advised his brother Andrew Cuomo’s team on how to respond to sexual harassment allegations against him.
As for his employer, which famously does not maintain standards of conduct for its "star" journalists:
- CNN to Seek 'Additional Clarity' About Significance of Chris Cuomo Documents
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Here's the overview:
CNN says it will be “having conversations” about documents revealing new details about Chris Cuomo’s attempts to help his brother.
The network issued a statement following a report released by the New York attorney general surrounding Chris Cuomo’s request to help with former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s (D) defense against allegations of sexual harassment.
“The thousands of pages of additional transcripts and exhibits that were released today by the NY Attorney General deserve a thorough review and consideration,” the network said.
The statement continued, “We will be having conversations and seeking additional clarity about their significance as they relate to CNN over the next several days.”
Translation: CNN's managers and editors are waiting to see how their peers at other media organizations react before they might take any action, but would really not like to have to take any.
The media reaction is pouring in fast and furious. Here's a sampling of headlines:
- Chris Cuomo Must Go
- Joe Concha rips CNN over Chris Cuomo controversy: He shouldn't 'sniff a microphone' until investigation is complete
- Chris Cuomo crisis: How much did he help his brother? Will CNN keep him on the air?
- BOMBSHELL: CNN's Chris Cuomo used MEDIA SOURCES to help brother Andrew navigate assault allegations
- CNN's dead man walking? Chris Cuomo's aid to embattled brother might end his anchor job
- HOW DOES CHRIS CUOMO STILL HAVE A JOB?
- Should Chris Cuomo Resign? RealClearPolitics Takeaway Nov 30
- It’s Time for CNN to Can Chris Cuomo for Being Completely Full of Crap
- ‘The View’ Hosts Say CNN’s Chris Cuomo Should Face Consequences for ‘Massive Ethical Breach’
- Gingrich on CNN's Chris Cuomo helping brother amid scandals: He 'has got to go' after lying to viewers
- Cuomo accuser Lindsey Boylan rips his bro Chris and Brian Stelter for ‘abuses of power’
- CNN's Chris Cuomo has forfeited all legitimacy as a journalist
- Chris Cuomo Violated Journalism Norms To Help His Brother and Should Resign From CNN
- Everyone in Media Thinks Cuomo Should Be Fired. CNN Isn’t Sure.
- ‘How does he still have a job?’ CNN staff sounds off as Chris Cuomo defies ban, talks bro on SiriusXM show
But wait, that's not all. The Poynter Institute also weighs in, collecting numerous other reactions from professional journalists:
- Chris Cuomo helped his brother more than we knew. What will CNN do about it?
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Here's an extended excerpt capturing their roundup of reactions:
Rolling Stone editor-in-chief Noah Shachtman tweeted, “If this story is accurate, it describes a series of shocking ethical breaches — fireable offenses at any other news outlet.”
Daily Beast media reporter Justin Baragona tweeted, “One would think that a network would look to rid itself of someone who was leaning on media sources to dig up dirt on women accusing his brother of sexual misconduct. One would think.”
The Washington Post’s Erik Wemple tweeted, “And this is why @CNN should have conducted an internal investigation of all @chriscuomo actions vis-a-vis his brother’s scandals. That should have happened months ago.”
And, most damning, in a piece for The Atlantic, David A. Graham wrote, “He should resign; if he doesn’t, CNN should sack him.”
Graham argues that Chris could have either stepped away from his CNN job to advise his brother, or distanced himself from his brother during the controversy. But, Chris tried to have it both ways.
Graham writes, “By keeping Cuomo on the air and in his job, CNN would send the message that journalistic ethics are only for the little people and viewers are on their own. Cuomo should take some time off and reflect on his chosen profession — and if and when he comes back, perhaps he should choose a new beat. ”
Remember when CNN billed itself as "The Most Trusted Name in News?" We're not sure why the news organization's managers and editors would choose to shred their journalistic reputation by allowing Andrew M. Cuomo's influence network to embed itself within their organization, but shred it they have. The sheer amount of housecleaning it will take to salvage a viable news network from the Chris Cuomo wreckage will be impressive if and when it takes place.
