Miles To Go


I first had the pleasure of working with Miles O’Brien on American Morning back in January of 2007. At the time, I was trying out to be the network’s new Technology/Internet correspondent. Dan Sieberg‘s departure left a hole in coverage, and I thought moving from straight Internet/Blogs to a more comprehensive Internet/Technology niche would be a good transition considering my experience in technology and video game reporting.

CNN gave me a two-week shot, and the reviews were terrific. All looked promising until the process started to drag, and the decision-makers mysteriously started to clam up. Then came the announcement that Soledad and Miles were off American Morning and Miles was going to take over the Technology beat.

I contacted Miles and told him I couldn’t have lost out to a better guy. He’s the master. He was not only incredibly generous and gracious when I stepped onto his AM set out of the blue, but he was always forthcoming with information and conversation that just made you look good working alongside him. When he subbed in on Situation Room months later, he was not only fun to watch and work with, but he also selflessly rounded out my segment on the Virtual ISS by giving me little nuggets to mention beforehand and showing true interest and excitement when we hit air.

I can’t say enough great stuff about him.

To hear he’s being let go – along with 6 other producers – is a real disappointment. I’m still waiting to hear who those 6 might be. I fear they may be some of the amazing people who worked with me during my tenure. And if that’s the case, then once again, CNN has proven they should be considered – at least to those who’ve given them their all – the least trusted name in the news business.

UPDATE: Word is CNN did let go the guys I know and love. These are veteran producers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes for years. No flash. No ego. Just amazing guys who knew their stuff and wanted to put out the best news possible as often as possible.

To say I’m livid would be an understatement.

UPDATE 2: As always, Chez is right on.

4 thoughts on “Miles To Go”

  1. Your post about Miles’ generosity in the workplace is right on, and i would know. In our (almost) 20 years of marriage, I have met countless people who have worked with Miles and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard similar stories. He truly is a selfless guy, incredibly dedicated worker and has a heart of gold.

    When his bosses were telling him the bad news this week, they said it was because he’d had a bad attitude and had dragged his feet. He said “you really don’t know me, do you?” Then they said he could stay on a few months but they didn’t want him badmouthing the company. He said, “then you REALLY don’t know me”.

    THEY didn’t but the people who worked with him DID.

  2. They offered me to stay on and ride out my contract for a few days after they broke the news, and I too said no thanks and bolted.

    Hearing how it went down – knowing how mine went down – is not the least bit surprising.

    Miles is a rock star and an excellent anchor/reporter, but I think there is true value in his taking a deep breath and a little time to think about what he wants to do next.

    An industry that casts aside its very best talent and its hardest workers with such callous disregard may not be worth being a part of anymore.

    There is life on the outside…and it’s really really good.

  3. There is a shortage of great newsmen like Miles O’Brien who have gained the respect of the viewers, which is truly an impressive achievement.

    Jammer, from the position from which CNN is viewed, CNNfans felt like we “knew” Miles too. After years of Miles telling us the news story the way he did so well, he will be sorely missed by CNN viewers.

    Jacki, “rock star” is a great way to describe Miles. It also applies to “rock star” NEXT@CNN Executive Producer Peter Dykstra who was great to CNNfans.

    Citation (2004) NEXT@CNN fansite: NEXTIES.COM

  4. I have been troubled by CNN for a while and do not watch at all anymore. The network’s cozy relationship with Pat Robertson and CBN dumbfounds me. Pat Robertson is a self-proclaimed “holy prophet of God.” He tells his viewers to touch the tv screen for a miracle. The man has done such damage to the face of Christianity with his hateful rants, dire warnings about his angry and vengeful God, with gross self-aggrandizing, and with ridiculous ramblings. He is a glaring fraud, a con artist bilking the most trusting and faithful souls. He is an embarrassment to anyone whose faith is genuine. CNN’s working relationship with CBN, Pat Robertson, and his hypocrite tool David Brody is proof that it is a network without morals, without conscience. I am sorry about what happened to Miles O’Brien and his associates and I want to thank you for this very personal essay.

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