It hasn’t been the greatest week for CNN following the resignation of president Jeff Zucker after revealing a consensual relationship with fellow executive Allison Gollust.
Now, the network finds itself in more hot water once again after the CEO of their new parent company, Discovery, made remarks during an appearance on CNBC that went viral.
David Zaslav was on the rival network discussing the fallout from Zucker’s resignation. The CEO discussed why viewers should stand by CNN as they go through these changes at the executive level.
“We have this great entertainment menu, which should keep people in the home, from the kids to the grandparents. Why would they go anywhere else? And then we’re the leader in news to the left,” Zaslav told CNBC.
CNBC host Joe Kernan then provided a follow-up remark regarding Zaslav’s statement when he said, “leaders in news to the left.”
“Definitely to the left. Did you say to the left?” Kernan said before taking back the question, saying he “probably shouldn’t have said that.”
After the CNBC appearance, the Discovery team had to put out the viral media fire, stating that Zaslav frequently uses phrases like “the left” or “the right” to reference present and future business endeavors.
Later in the interview, Zaslav did refer to growth “on the right side of the company,” which he expressed as incorporating WarnerMedia-owned HBO and a growing portfolio of sports rights.
A Discovery spokesperson also told the New York Post that Zaslav “didn’t finish his thought,” adding that he uses the saying to manage his discussions about Discovery’s business.
Eduardo Razo is the Assistant Content Editor for BNM, which includes writing daily news stories on the news media industry. He can be found on Twitter @eddierazo_ or you can reach him by email at eddie1991razo@gmail.com.
