NEW YORK: CNN accepted the resignations Monday of three journalists involved in a retracted story about a supposed investigation into a pre-inaugural meeting between an associate of President Donald Trump and the head of a Russian investment fund.
The story was posted on the network’s website on Thursday and was removed, with all links disabled, Friday night. CNN immediately apologized to Anthony Scaramucci, the Trump transition team member who was reported to be involved in the meeting.
The story’s author, Thomas Frank, was among those who resigned, according to a network executive who requested anonymity because the person was not authorized to discuss personnel issues. Also losing their jobs were Eric Lichtblau, an assistant managing editor in CNN’s Washington bureau, and Lex Harris, head of the investigations unit.
CNN, in initially taking down the story, said it didn’t meet its editorial standards. The episode is a damaging blow for a network that Trump has frequently derided as “fake news,” and for a story that never even made it onto any of CNN’s television networks.
The story had been quickly questioned both internally and externally, including by the conservative site Breitbart News. It was determined that the story was posted without going through the expected checks and balances for a story of such sensitivity, the executive said.
The failure to follow proper procedures is what led to the resignations, the CNN executive said.
It’s not immediately clear what in the story is factually incorrect, or whether CNN will continue to report on the issue. The retracted story had said the Senate investigations committee was looking into a January 16 discussion between Scaramucci and Kirill Dmitriev, whose Russian Direct Investment Fund guides investments by US entities in Russia. Scaramucci, in the story, said he exchanged pleasantries in a restaurant with Dmitriev.
The report also said that two Democratic senators wanted to know whether Scaramucci had indicated in the meeting whether sanctions against Russia would be lifted, a decision that could impact the investment fund.
Following the retraction, Scaramucci tweeted that CNN “did the right thing. Classy move. Apology accepted. Everyone makes mistakes. Moving on.”
CNN accepts resignations of 3 involved in retracted story
CNN accepts resignations of 3 involved in retracted story
Al-Ahsa governor meets Saudi Journalists Association chairman, board members
- Prince Saud briefed on SJA’s activities including enhancing media ecosystem, developing local talent
LONDON: Al-Ahsa Gov. Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr on Monday met with the Saudi Journalists Association’s Chairman Adhwan Mohammed Al-Ahmari, members of its board of directors, and the head of the local branch, at the governorate’s headquarters.
Prince Saud was briefed on the SJA board’s efforts to help regulate the work of journalists, enhance professionalism, develop the media environment, and help train and empower national talent.
He was also updated on the association’s programs to support responsible media, strengthen local and international partnerships, and host domestic and foreign media delegations currently visiting the governorate.
The governor said Saudi Arabia’s leadership has helped to modernize the media industry and strengthen its presence at home and abroad.
He underlined the role of professional media in showcasing national achievements and values, and deepening engagement between all sectors of society.
Al-Ahmari thanked Prince Saud for supporting the media in Al-Ahsa and his commitment to developing the industry across the region.
