CNN abruptly “terminated” news anchor Chris Cuomo, “effective immediately,” for violating journalistic standards by using his position to help his embattled — and now disgraced — brother, ex-New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, gather information about the women accusing him of sexual misconduct.
The story has been reported across the media; see NBC’s report here, and CNN’s story here (whose website buried the headline in small type).
Cuomo’s firing follows an outside law firm’s investigation of his involvement in the scandals that unseated his brother.
The governor resigned under pressure on August 23, 2021, after numerous women came forward with stories of unwanted attention and touching. Upon being fired by CNN, his brother issued a statement that it was “disappointing” to end his career this way.
There’s nothing disappointing about a news outlet, whether it’s a local weekly newspaper or a major broadcaster, upholding the ethics of news reporting, which requires that editors and reporters only report and not involve themselves in stories.
And when a national news anchor uses his position to help a close relative accused of misconduct defend himself against the accusations, that’s intolerable for both the employing news organization and the profession.
Cuomo knew this, or should have. He chose to put family above his professional obligations. Some people may find that understandable. But if that was his choice, he should have made it by leaving his news position, not engaging in the conduct that got him fired.
Now, both of the Cuomo brothers are disgraced. Their father, the late New York Gov. Mario Cuomo (who died in 2015), must be turning over in his grave.