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Thomas Roberts leaves CNN

Posted by
Michael Jensen
 on May 6, 2007

We've been fans of Thomas Roberts ever since he raised his profile as a gay man last September at the "National Lesbian and Gay Journalists' Association" convention in Miami. That's why it's with mixed feelings I'm writing that as of May 1st Roberts no longer works for CNN. TVNewser.com published a memo from Ken Jautz, CNN executive president confirming the news. Said Jautz: "After five years, he has decided to leave us, with intentions to settle in the Washington, D.C., area," and will pursue "other journalistic opportunities."

Coincidentally (or not), shortly after Roberts, who was already out to friends and family, came out professionally, he lost his anchor spot and only did reporting on weekends. However, Roberts was featured very prominently on Anderson Cooper's AC 360 program to discuss the sexual abuse he endured at the hands of a Catholic priest. When we interviewed Roberts in his first official interview after coming out, we asked him if he was concerned about the effect it might have on his career. Said Roberts:
I had some concerns, but not enough to stop me from doing it. There was some trepidation...No one advised me against doing it. I have no regrets, but I have some concerns about some of the reporting, certain correlations that are being drawn.

Roberts has yet to speak out about his decision to leave CNN, but last fall he told us this about the news organization:

CNN has been a fantastic place to work. The management has been nothing but supportive and I'm very grateful to them.

Hopefully that is still the case and Roberts decision to leave was purely related to pursuing better professional opportunities elsewhere. Newser.com did indicate that perhaps Roberts had signed a syndication deal somewhere else.
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