CNN's president Jeff Zucker resigns

Source: CNN

As part of the investigation into Chris Cuomo - which led to the CNN host getting fired in December for improperly advising his brother, Andrew Cuomo, about how to address sexual misconduct allegations - Zucker was questioned about a relationship between him and CNN EVP and chief marketing officer, Allison Gollust.

Zucker was required to disclose when the relationship began, but he didn’t, and is resigning as a result. In a statement on 2 February, Gollust said that she will be remaining in her position at CNN. She continued to say, “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 every day.”

Jeff Zucker just announced his resignation to a stunned CNN. pic.twitter.com/sWXYNBO20d

— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) February 2, 2022

WarnerMedia CEO, Jason Kilar, said in a statement, “We thank Jeff for his contributions over the past nine years. We will be announcing an interim leadership plan shortly. Both of these organisations are at the top of their respective games and are well prepared for their next chapters.”

Zucker’s tenure

Zucker has been with CNN since 2013, working through the ranks to be elevated to news and sports chairman in 2019. Initially, Zucker planned to leave WarnerMedia last year but decided against the decision after the WarnerMedia-Discovery merger. He was expected to have a big role in the implementation of the merger, which is expected to close in the second quarter.