Paula Zahn Fired by FNC
By Steve Donohue -- Multichannel News, 9/5/2001 1:37:00 PM
Fox News Channel said it terminated anchor Paula Zahn Wednesday for breaching her contract by negotiating an agreement to host a new morning show with its rival, Cable News Network.
'She received a written offer from CNN, which she intends to sign,' FNC vice president of legal affairs Dianne Brandi said Wednesday afternoon.
CNN has said that it plans to launch a morning show based at a new street-level studio it is building in Manhattan. The CNN offer was for Zahn to host the new morning show, Brandi said.
Zahn, host of The Edge with Paula Zahn, has a contract with FNC that runs through Feb. 28, Brandi said. Zahn broke the contract by negotiating a deal with a competitor before March 1, which is when FNC's three-month right-of-refusal window begins, she added.
CNN released a prepared statement from CEO Walter Isaacson that said the network 'made an offer that was subject to her availability and existing obligations. If she's available, we're thrilled. She's smart and a longstanding great journalist.'
Brandi said FNC planned to file a lawsuit against Zahn's agency, New York-based N.S. Bienstock Inc., Wednesday or Thursday. Richard Leibner, Zahn's agent, didn't immediately return calls Wednesday.
One source said FNC is considering other options, including possibly suing CNN for tortious interference. The network may also sue Zahn, the source added.
FNC first learned of CNN's offer late last week, a source said.
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