New CNN president Jeff Zucker said at a meeting for CNN employees that he supports Piers Morgan's decision to speak out against U.S. gun laws, Politico reports.
Morgan has called for tighter gun control laws since the school shootings in Newtown, Conn., a month ago. The backlash to Morgan's stand has included a petiton -- dismissed by the White House -- calling for the British-born Morgan to be deported.
During a town-hall meeting with staff, Politico said, Zucker was asked whether CNN employees should express opinions. Zucker said he was in favor of it when appropriate, citing Morgan's case.
That doesn't necessarily mean CNN is breaking with its longstanding practice of not expressing opinions in its news stories. Morgan is a host, not an anchor or reporter.
Also read: Obama Responds to Petition to Deport Piers Morgan
It also does not appear from Politico's reporting that Zucker was taking a stand on gun control. He seems to have backed Morgan's right to express an opinion without necessarily agreeing with that opinion.
