Journalist drags CNN to court over discrimination

The British-Pakistani journalist was left with a disability after her foot was run over by her cameraman’s car during coverage of the Israel-Palestine conflict in Jerusalem. The incident caused extensive tissue damage, making it challenging for her to sit, stand, walk, or return to work full-time.

According to Mohsin, she requested alternative duties and rehabilitation support from CNN after the accident in 2014. However, her requests were allegedly denied by the network. Mohsin further claims that she asked to transition into a presenting role to reduce travel time but was told she didn’t have the desired appearance. Three years later, CNN terminated her contract.

Mohsin has filed an employment tribunal claim, which is scheduled to be heard in London, citing the network’s failure to provide adequate support following her life-altering injury. She expressed her disappointment, stating that she had risked her life on numerous assignments for CNN, believing they would have her back, but they ultimately let her down.

The claim also alleges race and disability discrimination, along with a complaint about the gender pay gap at CNN. Mohsin asserts that she was denied prominent on-air opportunities, with the network favouring white American correspondents even when she was ready to report live from the scene.

CNN has chosen not to comment on the allegations, and they are contesting the claim on jurisdictional grounds, arguing that the terms of Mohsin’s contract prevent her from bringing the case in London, reported The Independent.

This case emerges during a challenging period for CNN, as they grapple with significant job cuts and navigate various scandals, missteps, and declining ratings in their primary US market. 

The departure of longtime boss Jeff Zucker due to a workplace relationship and the subsequent dismissal of his replacement, Chris Licht, after just one year have added to the network’s troubles. Additionally, CNN is currently undergoing a corporate restructuring within parent company Warner Bros Discovery.

Mohsin, who is now a freelancer for Sky News, has produced a program for ITV on living with invisible disabilities.

“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,” she told The Independent.

Updated: 10 Jul 2023, 02:08 PM IST