From Thursday's New York Times:
CNN Producer Says He Was Fired for Blogging
By Sewell Chan
Should journalists be permitted to maintain personal — and highly opinionated — blogs on their own time? Chez Pazienza, a senior producer for CNN’s “American Morning,” says the network fired him on Tuesday on the grounds that he violated its standards for journalists through his blog, Deus Ex Malcontent.
Mr. Pazienza announced that he had been fired through — what else — a blog post on Wednesday. “What was the reason for my abrupt and untimely dismissal?” he wrote. “You’re reading it. More to come soon.”
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3 comments:
The difference, however, is that Chez (my husband) didn't consider himself a producer who wrote on the side; we both considered him a writer whose day job was producing, at least over the last five years. He was a good producer, and always had a lot to offer the network, but he found that he enjoyed writing more... and I encouraged him to push further in exploring this creative outlet. His opinions never affected his work at CNN, so he was not doing anything unethical. If anything, having the writing as an outlet at home probably helped to keep him unbiased at work, (and it certainly has made him more pleasant, as I could always direct him to the laptop when he started getting on his soapbox!) Thankfully, some wonderful writing opportunities have already come around for him as a result of this.
I haven't replied to anybody else's coverage of all of this (whether positive or negative), but as I enjoyed reading your blog after finding you'd posted the article about Chez, and knowing you only as a fellow wife of a tv news professional, I just wanted to speak my little peace, whatever that may matter.
Keep writing, and all the best to you two!
See, and I thought Brian was just too lazy to write...he's actually scared!! SCARED!!
C'mon B-Neal, how about a post on your thoughts on whether Joba should start the year in the rotation or the 'pen??
You got Brian a 46" Sony Bravia LCD TV?
GRRRRRRR.
I hate you.
Okay, not really. I love you guys!
On a serious note. I have to agree with Brian, however as an anchor it applies to me even more so. I can not put my personal feelings on subject into paper or pixel form. I view blogging in much the same light as writing a letter tot he editor and signing your name. Unfortunately as journalist we are not allowed that luxury.
Jayne, kudos to you for dropping by and leaving your note. I unfortunately know what it's like to have negative things said about out you in the online world. I also treasure those who stand by my side.
Rick Tillery
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