CNN Reporter Responds to Criticism of Reporting From Iran With Gov's Approval: Always Better To Be On the Ground' Even With Restrictions

"Even if there are restrictions, it's always better to be on the ground than to not be on the ground. I think right now, especially in the US, the debate about almost anything that the Trump administration does usually falls along party lines, and so you're going to get trashed by people who don't like liberal media' or whatever."

"CNN routinely noted Pleitgen was operating in the country with the blessing of its government; anchor Jim Sciutto told viewers CNN can only operate in Iran with the country's government approval, last week, for example."

"Some critics slammed CNN and Pleitgen for reporting from inside the country with the approval of Iran's regime, with one member of the Trump administration calling it pro-Iran regime propaganda."

CNN senior international correspondent Frederik Pleitgen addressed criticism regarding his reporting from Iran with the theocratic regime's approval. Pleitgen stated he anticipated the backlash, attributing much of it to partisan political divisions in the United States. He acknowledged that some criticism was excessive but understandable, emphasizing that being on the ground provides valuable journalism despite government restrictions. CNN disclosed that Pleitgen operated with Iranian government blessing and noted this was necessary for access. When questioned about editorial independence given the government approval requirement, Pleitgen expressed confidence in his coverage's quality. Critics, including Trump administration officials, characterized the reporting as pro-Iran propaganda.

Read at www.mediaite.com