A CNN guest on Sunday morning called on the network to let anchor Chris Cuomo conduct brilliant, “love-to-be” interviews with his brother Andrew Cuomo, now plagued by the scandal.
Washington Post media critic Erik Wemple changed the script when Brian Stelter, host of “Reliable Sources,” asked about “media coverage” of the governor’s scandals “so far.”
“I would be reckless if I didn’t mention CNN’s great story here,” Wemple said.
“Chris Cuomo, the 9 o’clock anchor, who covered Andrew Cuomo and had all these wonderful love interviews with you, over ten.”
“They suspended the conflict of interest rule for Chris Cuomo for these interviews,” Wemple continued. “Still, they have suddenly re-applied it now that Andrew Cuomo was in the midst of a historic scandal at the Albany State House.”
“I think that’s an important black eye for CNN,” he concluded before Stelter changed the subject.
CNN said last month that it reinstated its “norm” that prevents Chris Cuomo from interviewing or covering his brother, reversing the policy after the governor made frequent appearances in 2020.
The television host briefly dealt with the allegations against his brother on air on March 1.
“Viously, obviously I’m aware of what’s going on with my brother,” said the anchor at the top of his first-hour show. “And obviously I can’t cover it, because he’s my brother.”
“Now, of course, CNN has to cover it,” the host continued. “They’ve covered it extensively and will continue to do so.”
Cuomo, 63, has been accused in recent weeks of misconduct or comments from seven women, but has strongly denied doing anything inappropriate. He is also under fire for having withheld data on the number of deaths from COVID-19 in nursing homes in the state.