In recent weeks, Charlie Rose, Matt Lauer, Garrison Keillor and Mark Halperin have all lost their jobs amidst sexual misconduct allegations. But it’s not just the big names who news organizations are investigating.
NPR’s chief news editor David Sweeney is out, but NPR isn’t offering details outside of its own news story quoting acting senior vice president of news Chris Turpin as saying, “David Sweeney is no longer on staff.”
iMediaEthics asked if he was fired or resigned, how many allegations were made and when. NPR spokesperson Isabel Lara told iMediaEthics, “NPR will not comment about specific complaints or personnel matters.” NPR reported that there were three sexual harassment allegations against Sweeney and “a formal internal review into his conduct.” iMediaEthics has tweeted Sweeney for his response to his ousting.
CNN fired Teddy Davis, a senior producer for Jake Tapper’s State of the Union, after allegations of inappropriate behavior. iMediaEthics asked how many allegations were made against Davis and when. CNN provided iMediaEthics with the following statement about Davis’ firing:
“A comprehensive investigation was conducted as soon as this matter was brought to our attention. The behavior attributed to Mr. Davis does not align with the standards and values of CNN and Mr. Davis is no longer with the company.”
Tapper tweeted to confirm Davis’s firing in response to Washington Post reporter Paul Farhi’s tweet that three women made allegations against Davis. “When CNN executives were told about these complaints, they reacted swiftly and appropriately, as they should,” he wrote. “Workplaces need to be safe and I am fully supportive of CNN’s action.” iMediaEthics has tweeted Davis for a response to the firing.
This tweet is accurate. When CNN executives were told about these complaints, they reacted swiftly and appropriately, as they should. Workplaces need to be safe and I am fully supportive of CNN's action. https://t.co/S4ZPNfTCPm
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) November 29, 2017
In addition, CNN reported that “Vice Media fired three employees on [Nov. 30] amid a probe into sexual harassment and improper workplace conduct.” The three weren’t named but were fired for allegations including “verbal and sexual harassment.” iMediaEthics has written to Vice Media for more details. Vice declined to comment to iMediaEthics but noted it published its internal memo about the firing.