Chris Cuomo was fired by CNN on Saturday after the network inquired into his efforts to help his brother, Andrew Cuomo.
CNN said that Chris Cuomo was suspended earlier this week pending further evaluation of new information that came to light about his involvement with his brother's defense. We retained a respected law firm to conduct the review and have terminated him immediately. Additional information has come to light during the review. We will investigate despite the fact that we have terminated our contract.
Chris Cuomo, the top-rated anchor at CNN and a veteran television journalist who had built a successful broadcast career outside of his famous political family, had a stunning downfall after the announcement. The host of the 9 p.m. program, Mr. Cuomo, had enjoyed the support of CNN's president, Jeff Zucker, and he faced no discipline for his behind-the-scenes strategizing with Andrew Cuomo's political aides.
The new testimony and text messages released by the New York attorney general revealed that the CNN anchor had played a more intimate role in his brother's political affairs than the network had previously known. CNN executives placed Mr. Cuomo on suspension on Tuesday, a sign of deep unease among the network's management.
Mr. Cuomo said in a statement that he has already told you why and how he helped his brother. As disappointing as this is, I could not be more proud of the team at 'Cuomo Prime Time' and the work we did as CNN's #1 show in the most competitive time slot. I will miss the group of special people who did important work.
The spectacle of a high-profile cable news anchor advising his powerful politician brother amid scandal was a longstanding headaches for many CNN journalists, who privately expressed displeasure at actions that, in their view, compromised the network's credibility. Jake Tapper told The New York Times in May that he couldn't imagine a world in which anyone in journalism thought that was appropriate.
Mr. Zucker stood behind Mr. Cuomo, saying the anchor was facing unique circumstances. If the anchor wanted to work more closely with his brother's team, the network offered him a formal leave.
CNN said it would conduct an internal review of Cuomo's conduct, but it did not retain an outside law firm or forensic investigators. A person familiar with the network's plans said the review would focus on ethical journalistic lines Mr. Cuomo may have crossed.
CNN hired Mr. Cuomo after Mr. Zucker became its president. The morning show was organized around Mr. Cuomo. Mr. Cuomo had experience covering war zones and shooting rampages.
He moved to prime-time in order to take over the 9 pm slot at the network. CNN's highest-rated hour was "Cuomo Prime Time", which attracted fewer viewers than competitors on Fox News and MSNBC.
Chris Cuomo was criticized for interviewing his brother on "New Day" in 2013.
Chris Cuomo, who contracted Covid, broadcast his show from the basement of his Long Island home, and CNN embraced the brothers' on-air relationship. Mr. Zucker praised Andrew Cuomo for his authenticity and relatability.
The brothers Cuomo are giving us that right now, according to Mr. Zucker.
As Andrew Cuomo was facing a growing number of sexual harassment accusations, Chris Cuomo decided not to report on the scandal, leaving a prime-time hole in CNN's coverage. Chris Cuomo was away from the anchor desk and was participating in strategy sessions with Andrew Cuomo's top aides.
