On one hand you have to tell yourself Jeff Zucker did hire Jake Tapper and did fire Frank Cafferty. You also have to wonder what else Zucker could’ve possibly said in this situation. But if this reflects Zucker’s honest sentiment — if he’s really okay with a guy who poses as an objective journalist while demagoguing a national tragedy, there’s not much hope for a CNN turnaround.
Piers Morgan is Exhibit A of everything currently wrong with CNN.
Politico’s Dylan Byers has the scoop:
CNN president Jeff Zucker told CNN New York staff today that he supported Piers Morgan’s decision to speak in favor of gun control, sources at the network tell POLITICO.
During a town-hall meeting with staff, Zucker was asked about CNN expressing opinion, something it has traditionally tried to avoid. Zucker said he was in favor of it where it was appropriate, citing Morgan’s stance on gun control as one example, sources said.
If Piers Morgan is an acceptable standard at the “new” CNN, it’s over before it began.
Also, if Byers’ source is correct, Zucker volunteered his defense of Morgan, which is the most troubling aspect of all of this.
Follow John Nolte on Twitter @NolteNC