CNN president Jeff Zucker abruptly resigned as president of CNN on Wednesday after revealing that he failed to disclose a romantic relationship with another senior CNN executive.
Zucker made the bombshell announcement in a memo to staff, writing, “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. 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.”
Zucker didn’t name the colleague, but that colleague was Allison Gollust, an executive vice president and chief marketing officer for CNN. Gollust put out her own memo that said, “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.”
Gollust is staying at CNN.
According to The New York Times’ Michael M. Grynbaum, both Zucker and Gollust are divorced.
Jason Kilar, chief executive of WarnerMedia, which owns CNN, said in a memo to staff that three senior executives — Michael Bass, Amy Entelis, and Ken Jautz — will be in charge on an interim basis.
Kilar wrote, “I have full confidence that Michael, Amy and Ken, as interim heads for News, will provide the leadership this organization needs during this time of transition.”
Zucker, 56, has been at CNN since 2013 and is considered one of the most powerful people in media. Before CNN, Zucker worked at NBC since the 1980s and was the chief executive of NBCUniversal from 2007 to 2010.
While there have been rumors that Zucker was going to step away from CNN sometime during 2022, his sudden resignation comes at a critical time. WarnerMedia is merging with Discovery. In addition, CNN is about to launch its streaming service, CNN+, in the next couple of months.
As Zucker alluded to in his memo, his inappropriate relationship came under scrutiny as the company investigated Chris Cuomo, the popular prime-time anchor who was fired after overstepping his role as a journalist in helping his brother, then-New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, fight multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Gollust once briefly worked as a communications director for Andrew Cuomo. Zucker and Gollust also worked together at NBC.
Zucker had initially stood behind Chris Cuomo, a decision criticized internally at CNN and externally. He eventually, however, parted ways with Cuomo.
Overall, Zucker was well-liked and respected by most of those at CNN, and there’s no denying CNN’s power and influence in news media.
CNN primetime anchor Don Lemon told Variety’s Brian Steinberg, ““I am devastated. I just think so highly of Jeff, and he is the best boss we have ever had, and one of the best things that has ever happened to CNN. There are probably going to be a lot of nervous people at CNN because Jeff is really the glue there. He made us relevant again.”
In his memo, Zucker said, “Together, we had nine great years. I certainly wish my tenure here had ended differently. But it was an amazing run. And I loved every minute.”
Tom Jones is Poynter’s senior media writer. For the latest media news and analysis, delivered free to your inbox each and every weekday morning, sign up for his Poynter Report newsletter.
