CNN's Jeff Zucker: No ‘Special Rules’ for Chris Cuomo

For some CNN insiders, the latest scandal surrounding Chris Cuomo is a disappointment, but ultimately one that will “blow over” given the primetime star’s exalted status at the network, reports The Daily Beast.

Multiple network insiders—including current on-air talent and staffers along with recently departed employees—expressed to The Daily Beast that last week’s bombshell news that Cuomo coached his older brother, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, in strategy calls on how to respond to sexual-harassment allegations was journalistically and morally unethical and that he should face stronger punishment than the slap on the wrist he seemed to receive from CNN.

Among the revelations in last week’s Washington Post report was the news that the CNN host told the embattled governor to “take a defiant position” amid his growing sexual-misconduct scandal. The network’s public response was meek at best.

“Chris has not been involved in CNN’s extensive coverage of the allegations against Governor Cuomo—on air or behind the scenes,” the network said in a statement. “In part because, as he has said on his show, he could never be objective. But also because he often serves as a sounding board for his brother.”

“However, it was inappropriate to engage in conversations that included members of the Governor’s staff, which Chris acknowledges. He will not participate in such conversations going forward,” the network continued, adding that he would not be disciplined further.

Jeff Zucker

“I’m very disappointed in the network,” one current CNN female on-air talent told The Daily Beast. “I think some disciplinary action, at a minimum, was required in this situation.” The on-air talent conceded that the younger Cuomo “was always put in an untenable position,” given his job, but ultimately, she said, “I don't think there were enough guardrails” to prevent this sort of scandal.

“As a woman who works here, I feel a little let down, to be honest,” this on-air personality said.

“Chris has for a long time considered himself an ad hoc consultant to his brother,” another current CNN on-air personality lamented. “The lines have always been blurred.”

The NY Post reports  CNN President Jeff Zucker on Tuesday insisted that there are no “special rules” that apply to Chris Cuomo — even though the top anchor was not disciplined.

The network boss, in a town-hall meeting with staff, said he had personally voiced his displeasure to Chris and considered the options for how to handle the situation, according to The Daily Beast.

Ultimately, Zucker said he felt it was “more powerful and more honest” for the star host to acknowledge his mistake and apologize to colleagues on-air, rather than for him to be suspended, Mediaite reported.