Just over a week after his bizarre anti-Israel outburst on Twitter, we learn that anchorman Jim Clancy is no longer at CNN. However, thanks to a conspiracy of silence on the part of both Clancy and CNN we can only speculate as to why this is the case. In light of what happened, it is something of a stretch to believe that Clancy’s Twitter outburst and his subsequent departure from CNN are unconnected.
To recall, Clancy responded inappropriately by accusing someone, who dared to correct his tweet in reference to the Charlie Hebdo terror attack, of practicing “Hasbara.”
Clancy’s Twitter account then descended into a drunken-like abusive rant as he took on all-comers in what he saw as some imaginary “Hasbara Team” ranged against him. He even accused an openly anti-Semitic Twitter account of being part of this campaign. Clancy also caused outrage with an offensive reference to the disabled.
Following a very public shaming, Clancy’s tweets were systematically removed culminating with the eventual closure of his entire Twitter account. So it seems a bit more than coincidental that Clancy has resigned from 34 years at CNN in the immediate aftermath of his Twitter meltdown.
Rather than address the issue, a CNN spokesperson simply said:
Jim Clancy is no longer with CNN. We thank him for more than three decades of distinguished service, and wish him nothing but the best.
Similarly, Clancy had nothing to say on the reasons for his departure:
After nearly 34 years with Cable News Network, the time has come to say Farewell! It has been my honor to work alongside all of you for all of these years. This is one of the greatest news organizations in the world. It has truly revolutionized information delivery while driving technological advances in how we gather the news. Through it all, CNN has been a family to my own family. That means something. As I reflect on all of the great adventures and achievements of the past, I wish you great success in the future.
With no mention of the events that presumably led to his demise, both CNN and Clancy have chosen to sweep it all under the carpet rather than address Clancy’s outburst. It’s not enough for CNN to do the right thing; the media organization has to be seen to be doing the right thing. That means a full and public explanation as to why Clancy’s Twitter meltdown was unacceptable for a prominent media personality.
Leaving CNN with what amounts to a ‘clean record’ gives Clancy every opportunity to revive his career at another media outlet (al Jazeera?).
While CNN may not have used this as a teachable moment, Jim Clancy’s removal is certainly a lesson in how force of numbers can have a tremendous impact. Between HonestReporting and a number of other concerned organizations, Clancy’s misdemeanor was exposed for all to see and led to a huge number of complaints to CNN.
Together we can make a difference. While CNN may not acknowledge it, with your help, Clancy has been held accountable for his unacceptable behavior.
