How CNN Got Involved in Tonight’s Telethon

Preparations continue at this hour in LA, New York and Port-au-Prince for tonight’s telethon, “Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief.” And we’re learning show CNN got involved in the event which will be seen on more than 60 networks and online. The Los Angeles Times reports EP Joel Gallen reached out to CNN after he was recruited by MTV to produce the event.

Susan Bunda, EVP of content development and strategy for CNN Worldwide told The Times the commercial-free event is a natural extension of the network’s efforts to provide viewers with ways to get involved. But, The Times writes, the involvement is “putting CNN reporters in an odd position of helping raise money for organizations whose work they are covering. Cooper, in particular, has raised questions on the air about the delay in getting medical supplies to doctors treating the wounded in Haiti.”

Bunda does not think CNN’s involvement poses a conflict. “I don’t look at it as our reporters are advocating for any one charity. The role our team will be playing is in telling stories about the people of Haiti.”