CNN Fights To Keep Internal Standards Hidden In $1 Billion Defamation Case

CNN is working to prevent its internal guidelines from being revealed during a $1 billion defamation case. Navy veteran Zachary Young claims the network wrongly accused him of illegally profiting from Afghanistan’s chaotic withdrawal in 2021. He says CNN’s report damaged his reputation and business.

CNN argues its internal standards should remain private, unlike other major media outlets like the New York Times and the Associated Press, which publish their guidelines. The court has ordered CNN to turn over these documents, but the network continues to push back, arguing that the discovery period for the lawsuit has already ended.

Young’s lawsuit revolves around a 2021 segment aired on CNN’s “The Lead with Jake Tapper.” According to Young, the network falsely suggested that his company, Nemex Enterprises Inc., took advantage of people fleeing Afghanistan. He claims CNN’s coverage unfairly portrayed him as an “illegal profiteer.”

The court allowed CNN to redact sections of its guidelines, meaning the public can only see partial documentation. However, Young’s attorney, Vel Freedman, argues that even the redacted information shows CNN ignored its own journalistic rules. Freedman claims CNN reporters, including Alex Marquardt, had a predetermined agenda to “nail” Young in their reporting.

The case highlights CNN’s alleged failure to follow proper journalistic procedures, such as giving Young adequate time to respond to the allegations. Freedman has urged the court to reject CNN’s attempt to dismiss punitive damages, stating that evidence suggests intentional misconduct and negligence on the network’s part.

If Young succeeds, the trial could lead to more scrutiny of CNN’s journalistic practices and the possible public release of its internal standards, something the network is fighting hard to avoid.

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