Disclosure Issues?

The New York Daily News’ Frank DiGiacomo writes about CNN contributor Alex Castellanos and his crisis relations work for BP… (via J$)

In defense of CNN, another source at the network said: “Alex was on to discuss politics, and we identified his affiliations as per usual,” with the exception of his work for BP. The source said that Castellanos’ relationship with the oil company would have been disclosed had the gulf spill come up.

But our other CNN Washington insider points out that “the dilemma here is what credibility does Alex have to be an honest broker or analyst when he’s got a business interest impacted by Washington’s agenda. … When that’s the case, believe me, you’re going to hedge your comments because it may affect your business’ interests.”

CNN “has all these rules and disclosures that they require from people who appear on their network, but seem to pay no attention to them,” adds that source. “They’ve got more special interests in their Washington studio than exist on Capitol Hill.”

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