New Chris Cuomo revelations should lead to his CNN ouster

The Atlantic

The new revelations that the CNN anchor ran interference for his brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and used his status as a journalistic to dig up dirt on his accusers "demonstrate more serious errors of judgment," says David A. Graham. "When Chris Cuomo simply offered advice to staff members, he failed to observe the rules CNN had set for his private behavior. But by gathering information from “sources” and passing it to his brother’s staff, Cuomo committed the more egregious step of directly mixing the journalistic work of calling sources and gathering information with his personal, familial commitments. He was wise not to go further into the realm of “oppo research,” but he still went far beyond the bounds of propriety." Graham adds: "When he was advising his brother earlier this year, Chris Cuomo encouraged Andrew to dismiss calls for his resignation as “cancel culture,” and perhaps he will take the same view against calls for his own resignation. But the defense doesn’t stick here. Hosting a prime-time television show is a privilege, not a right. Chris Cuomo doesn’t need to be drummed out of journalism, but he does need to face repercussions. By keeping Cuomo on the air and in his job, CNN would send the message that journalistic ethics are only for the little people and viewers are on their own. Cuomo should take some time off and reflect on his chosen profession—and if and when he comes back, perhaps he should choose a new beat."

• CNN saying it will now investigate Chris Cuomo is proof that it failed to take his actions seriously: "The admission by @CNN that the documents relating to @ChrisCuomo merit further consideration is also an admission of failure at the highest levels of network leadership," says The Washington Post's Erik Wemple. "They could have investigated this matter months ago and chose not to."
• Cuomo's actions would be fireable offenses for other journalists