CNN president, Jeff Zucker has announced his resignation for failing to disclose a romantic relationship with another senior executive at the US cable television network.
“I certainly wish my tenure here had ended differently,” Zucker said in a message to the network’s employees. “But it was an amazing run. And I loved every minute.”
Zucker, 56, on Wednesday said his resignation was effective immediately.
He wrote in the memo, shared on Twitter by CNN’s chief media correspondent Brian Stelter, saying;
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.
Jeff Zucker just announced his resignation to a stunned CNN. pic.twitter.com/sWXYNBO20d
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) February 2, 2022
As head of the cable network since 2013, Zucker was one of the most powerful media executives in the United States.
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He told colleagues in a memo that his relationship with CNN’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Allison Gollust came up during a probe into Chris Cuomo’s alleged sexual misconduct.
He said;
As part of the investigation into Chris Cuomo’s tenure at CNN, I was asked about a consensual relationship with my closest colleague, someone I have worked with for more than 20 years.
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Zucker further stated;
I acknowledged the relationship evolved in recent years. I was required to disclose it when it began but I didn’t. I was wrong.
Zucker, 56, joined CNN in 2013 from NBC and was credited with driving the cable news to ratings success in the run-up to the 2021 presidential election
Gollust wrote in a separate memo to staff that she would be remaining in her job, stressing;
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 everyday.
Zucker was married to former Saturday Night Live producer, Caryn Nathanson from 1996 to 2019 and they have four children.
