Networks shun Spicer due to "a lack of credibility." (cc: Hollywood) https://t.co/4XCXSSyJHp via @nbcnews
— Joshua Green (@JoshuaGreen) September 20, 2017
… Since Spicer exited the White House, his representatives have been holding individual conversations about the possibility of President Donald Trump’s former flack joining one of the major TV networks, which include CBS News, CNN, Fox News, ABC News and NBC News.
But “they won’t touch him,” said a media industry executive familiar with those conversations.
“The news organizations might use him on roundtables, but [a paid exclusive contributor job] is not happening,” the executive added.
A number of network insiders who spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect their business relationships said none of the networks were interested in hiring Spicer because of a “lack of credibility.” …
This guy, however…
CNN has hired @PreetBharara as senior legal analyst: https://t.co/Vf1dFLtWXz
— Michael Calderone (@mlcalderone) September 21, 2017
… Bharara was known for his media savvy on the job in Manhattan, and since leaving office in March has amassed nearly 440,000 Twitter followers. He also recently launched a podcast, “Stay Tuned With Preet.” On Wednesday’s episode, Bharara recalled how Trump initially requested he stay on as U.S. attorney shortly after the presidential election, and he also described his growing unease as the president-elect — and later president — broke with protocol by calling him directly on the phone.
“Had I not been fired, and had Donald Trump continued to cultivate a direct personal relationship with me, it’s my strong belief at some point, given the history, the president of the United States would’ve asked me to do something inappropriate,” Bharara said on the podcast. “And I would’ve resigned then. I don’t know for a fact, but that’s my strong belief.”
In addition to Bharara, CNN has also named Walter Shaub, the former director of the United States Office of Government Ethics, as a contributor. Upon resigning in July, Shaub said the U.S. government was now “pretty close to a laughingstock” when it came to ethics, a slide that could have global implications…
CNN will probably mine the expertise of both Bharara and Shaub to comment on major investigations and ethical concerns in the Trump administration.
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Here’s hoping their professional expertise will be much in demand!
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