With all the news surrounding Fox News and the many allegations of discrimination against the network, some seem to be forgetting that CNN is also waist deep in discrimination allegations as well. In fact, according to the New York Business Journal, “CNN faces a class action lawsuit alleging racial discrimination by about 175 former and current employees,” similar to allegations filed against Fox News and The New York Times.
With all the news surrounding Fox News and the many allegations of discrimination against the network, some seem to be forgetting that CNN is also waist deep in discrimination allegations as well. In fact, according to the New York Business Journal, “CNN faces a class action lawsuit alleging racial discrimination by about 175 former and current employees,” similar to allegations filed against Fox News and The New York Times.
At the moment, the lead plaintiffs in the most recent suit against CNN include Celeslie Henley, a CNN executive assistant, and Ernest Colbert Jr., a former manager at CNN affiliate Turner Broadcasting System. Both claim “the media organization is rife with racism and bigoted remarks.” Additionally, they allege that the network “paid them less than their white counterparts,” and on one occasion, the following remark was made:
“Who would be worth more: black slaves from times past, or new slaves?”
But this isn’t the first time these types of allegations have been brought against the news network. Earlier this year, another former employee stepped forward, accusing the major news network of “racial and religious discrimination.” The former employee was Omar Butcher, and he filed a lawsuit against CNN in the United States District Court Northern District of Georgia. Butcher’s lawsuit was the third filed against the network “over discrimination over the past year.”
In addition to Butcher’s lawsuit and the most recent ones being filed against the network, the National Association of Black Journalists released a “press release expressing concern about the atmosphere at CNN for African Americans” back in 2014.
But if you thought this myriad of lawsuits against CNN would coerce a response from the network, think again. Oftentimes when asked to comment on the lawsuits, network spokespeople have said that “CNN does not comment on pending litigation.”
It will be interesting to see how things play out. Unfortunately, however, this trend of discrimination within news organizations seems to be occurring far too often. Hopefully, as more attention is drawn to these unacceptable behaviors, statements, and actions, we’ll begin seeing things change not only at CNN but at Fox news as well.
Sources:
CNN employees say network is ‘rife with racism’ in class action discrimination lawsuit
New Lawsuit Filed Against CNN for Racial and Religious Discrimination
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