A high-profile defamation trial reveals deep divisions within CNN as several network staffers openly challenge their employer's decision to issue an on-air apology.
According to Fox News, multiple CNN employees testified against their network's March 2022 apology to Zachary Young, a U.S. Navy veteran who claimed CNN's reporting damaged his professional reputation by implying his involvement in black market activities during the Afghanistan evacuation.
The controversy stems from a November 2021 report that aired on "The Lead with Jake Tapper," which discussed the financial challenges faced by Afghans attempting to flee their country following the Biden administration's military withdrawal. Young filed a legal threat against CNN, prompting the network to issue an apology through anchor Pamela Brown, although Young claims he was unaware of the apology when it aired.
CNN Staff Members Push Back Against Legal Department Decision
Senior editor Fuzz Hogan, who was responsible for fact-checking the original report, expressed his disagreement with the network's decision to apologize. He maintained that the correction was unnecessary and defended both the on-air report and the online coverage. His testimony highlighted the growing tension between editorial judgment and legal considerations within the network.
Correspondent Alex Marquardt, who led the reporting on Young's story, aligned with Hogan's position. While stating he was "fine" with the network's decision to apologize, Marquardt defended the use of the term "black market" as an accurate description of the chaotic conditions in Afghanistan during the evacuation period. The testimony revealed a clear disconnect between the journalists' editorial stance and the legal department's risk assessment.
Three additional CNN staffers provided video depositions that further underscored the internal disagreement. Producer Michael Conte, Executive Vice President of Editorial Virginia Moseley, and supervising producer Michael Callahan all expressed their opposition to the apology, with Moseley specifically noting that she didn't consider the term "black market" to carry negative connotations.
Legal Department's Stance Draws Mixed Internal Response
Adam Levine, CNN's senior vice president of Washington newsgathering, emerged as the sole voice supporting the legal department's decision. He acknowledged that the apology was strategically issued to prevent potential litigation. However, his testimony revealed the complexity of balancing journalistic integrity with legal risk management.
During his deposition, Levine carefully navigated questions about the reasonableness of Young's concerns. He repeatedly emphasized that the decision to issue the apology was driven by legal considerations rather than editorial judgment. The testimony highlighted the often conflicting priorities between a news organization's legal and editorial departments.
CNN's apology, delivered by Pamela Brown, stated:
In November, we ran a story about Afghans desperate to flee the country who faced paying high sums beyond the reach of average Afghans. The story included a lead-in and banner throughout the story that referenced a 'black market.' The use of the term 'black market' in the story was an error. The story included reporting on Zachary Young. We did not intend to suggest that Mr. Young participated in the black market. We regret the error, and to Mr. Young, we apologize.
High Stakes Resolution Looms for Network
The ongoing defamation trial in Panama City, Florida, represents a critical moment for CNN as it grapples with the fallout from its Afghanistan coverage. The testimonies from CNN staffers have exposed significant internal disagreement over the network's handling of Young's complaints and the subsequent apology.
The trial, which resumes Wednesday, places CNN in a challenging position as it defends its reporting while managing the implications of its public apology. The outcome could have significant ramifications for how news organizations balance editorial independence with legal risk management.
A Pivotal Moment for Editorial Independence
The defamation trial involving CNN and Navy veteran Zachary Young has revealed deep divisions within the network over an on-air apology issued in March 2022. Multiple CNN staffers, including senior editor Fuzz Hogan and correspondent Alex Marquardt, testified against the network's decision to apologize for using the term "black market" in its Afghanistan evacuation coverage.
The trial, continuing in Panama City, Florida, will determine whether CNN's original reporting and subsequent apology adequately addressed Young's concerns about damage to his professional reputation.
