Former CNN reporter sues for unfair dismissal and race discrimination
A former CNN reporter is suing the global news network accusing it of unfair dismissal and race discrimination.
The broadcaster is refusing to comment on the allegations, but plans to fight the claim on territorial grounds, reports The Guardian.
Injured on assignment
In 2014, Saima Mohsin worked as a foreign correspondent for CNN.
While on assignment in Jerusalem covering the Israel-Palestine conflict her cameraman ran over her foot.
The accident caused severe tissue damage which left Ms Mohsin struggling to sit, stand and walk or return to work full-time.
The British-Pakistani journalist said that she requested alternative duties and support for rehabilitation, but CNN management allegedly refused.
She also claims that she requested a presenting role to reduce the amount of travelling time but was allegedly told “you don’t have the look we are looking for”.
Three years later, CNN terminated her contract.
CNN has recently made deep job cuts and is dealing with a number of scandals and struggling ratings.
Former CNN reporter sues
Ms Mohsin has filed her unfair dismissal claim in a London employment tribunal.
She accuses CNN of race discrimination and disability discrimination in addition to a complaint about the gender pay gap at the news network.
“I worked hard to become an international correspondent and loved my job with CNN. I risked my life many times on assignment for CNN believing they would have my back. They did not,” she said.
Ms Mohsin claims management denied her high profile on-air opportunities, instead choosing to put white American correspondents on air even when she was ready to go live on the ground.
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Territorial grounds
CNN is refusing to comment on the allegations.
However, it is fighting the claim, arguing that Ms Mohsin does not have the right to bring the legal action in London.
The case comes at a difficult time for CNN.
The global news network has made deep job cuts and is dealing with a number of scandals and struggling ratings.
Previous longtime boss Jeff Zucker resigned last year over a relationship with a colleague.
Meanwhile, his replacement, Chris Licht, was dismissed after only one year in the top job.
Treatment of women of colour in journalism
Ms Mohsin said she is taking the legal action to highlight the treatment of women of colour in journalism:
“This should cause concern for all foreign correspondents who travel around the world – and take risks to do their journalism in the belief their employer will take care of them.
“I’m also taking the opportunity to highlight the racism and gender pay gap issues that I experienced. I was repeatedly let down and denied the ability to achieve my potential while I was at CNN.
“I am bringing my claim to take a stand and call for change to ensure women journalists, and women journalists of colour, are better protected”.
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