New CNN head Jeff Zucker praised his network in an internal memo Friday after a week in which it covered the Boston Marathon bombings and Texas fertilizer plant — and had to backtrack from a huge exclusive.
It was one of the busiest weeks for CNN since Zucker took charge in January, and the network, like other news organizations, faced many testing situations.
CNN's John King was first to report an arrest in the Boston bombings Wednesday, but the network and others who followed its lead had to walk back their reporting after officials denied it. Then CNN was one of many outlets that worked through the small hours Friday as police pursued two suspects. One died and one remains at large.
Here's Zucker's memo, which was obtained by TheWrap:
What a week.
As events unfolded in Boston, and then in Texas, and as they continue to unfold at this very moment in both places, CNN has been there for our audience in every possible way – on television, online and on our mobile platforms. As Wolf would say, that was true for our audiences here in the United States and around the world. For journalists like each of us, these are the times that define what we do and why we do it. All of you, across every division of CNN Worldwide, have done exceptional work. And when we made a mistake, we moved quickly to acknowledge it and correct it. It was important to see CNN, CNN.com, HLN and CNNI all shine this week, often with different stories and different approaches that make each of their roles clear. It is a week that began with a whole new genre of programming for CNN, with the successful premiere of 'Parts Unknown.' Now, as the week comes to a close, I wanted to express my deep gratitude and admiration. You have worked tirelessly, around the clock, to share these stories. And our audiences have responded, making it clear that they rely on us in ever increasing ways. In front of the cameras and behind the scenes, you have shown the world what makes us CNN.
With my thanks and appreciation,
JEFF
