🥁 Axios PM: Zucker's downfall

See the world's longest lightning bolt | Wednesday, February 02, 2022

Open in app View in browser   Presented By Circle   Axios PM By Mike Allen ·Feb 02, 2022 Good afternoon: Today's PM — edited by Justin Green — is 476 words, a 2-minute read. 🚨 Breaking: The FBI is investigating bomb threats at historically Black colleges and universities as "racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism and hate crimes."     1 big thing: Zucker downfall stuns CNN Screenshot: CNN Jeff Zucker's resignation shocked staffers who'd thought the CNN Worldwide president was invincible, reports Axios Media Trends author Sara Fischer. In a note to staff tweeted by CNN's Brian Stelter, Zucker said that as a part of CNN's investigation into Chris Cuomo last year, he was asked about a consensual relationship with a colleague. "I acknowledged the relationship evolved in recent years. I was required to disclose it when it began and I didn't. I was wrong. As a result, I am resigning today." The relationship was an open secret, CNN sources told Axios. CNN staff started to take notice when RadarOnline published a story on Zucker's relationship in early January. Between the lines: Zucker left without a clear succession plan. CNN executives Michael Bass, Amy Entelis and Ken Jautz will serve as "interim co-heads for CNN," WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar told staff. CNN and WarnerMedia parent AT&T didn't respond to a request for comment. WarnerMedia and Jeff Zucker declined to comment.     2. The Cuomo connection Zucker and Chris Cuomo in 2014. Photo: Andrew Toth/Getty Images Zucker's relationship is with CNN chief marketing officer Allison Gollust, who was formerly communications director for former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. CNN fired anchor Chris Cuomo for breaching media ethics by advising his brother, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, during the sexual misconduct investigation that led to his resignation. Former Gov. Cuomo's profile soared thanks to CNN airtime — including Chris interviewing Andrew — in 2020. In a memo reported by CNN, Gollust said: "Jeff and I have been close friends and professional partners for over 20 years. Recently, our relationship changed during COVID. I regret that we didn't disclose it at the right time." Gollust reported directly to Zucker, sources told Axios. CNN parent company WarnerMedia's policy prohibits relationships with those you hire or supervise. It requires disclosure to HR "if you are in a position to influence the employment, advancement or hiring of someone with whom you have a personal relationship."     A message from Circle Keep the U.S. dollar ahead in the digital currency race     Policymakers can ensure the U.S. dollar becomes the currency of the internet globally as foreign competitors emerge. Why it's important: The digital currency race is underway, and currencies like China's e-CNY are putting U.S. economic interests at risk. USD Coin can make an impact.     3. Baltimore honors fallen firefighters Photo: Drew Angerer via Getty Images Firefighters salute as the funeral procession leaves the memorial service today for Baltimore City firefighters Lt. Paul Butrim, Lt. Kelsey Sadler and EMT/firefighter Kenny Lacayo, killed in a house fire last week.     4. Parting shot: World's longest recorded lightning bolt GIF from NOAA video A single lightning bolt — stretching 477 miles across three states — was certified by the World Meteorological Organization as the longest flash on record, NOAA announced. The bolt stretched from the central coast of Texas, through Louisiana, to southern Mississippi on April 29, 2020. Axios' Andrew Freedman says NOAA's satellite-mounted Geostationary Lightning Mapper is one of the tools allowing researchers to track lightning from above, in addition to ground-based sensors. This distance record could be eclipsed soon due to the new technology. Read more.     A message from Circle The U.S. dollar could be the global currency of the internet     The race is on to establish the de facto currency of the internet, and the U.S. dollar can win. Here's how: USD Coin (USDC) is a privately issued dollar digital currency with more than $50 billion in circulation and tenfold growth in 2021 that has the power to put the U.S. dollar ahead. Learn more.   Like this email style and format? Bring the strength of Smart Brevity® to your team — more effective communications, powered by Axios HQ.   Axios thanks our partners for supporting our newsletters. If you're interested in advertising, learn more here. Sponsorship has no influence on editorial content. Axios, 3100 Clarendon B‌lvd, Suite 1300, Arlington VA 22201   You received this email because you signed up for newsletters from Axios. Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.   Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now to get Axios in your inbox.   Follow Axios on social media: