New York — ABC News has suspended news correspondent Carole Simpson for two weeks with pay after she spread false information about an anthrax investigation while speaking at a luncheon.
Appearing before the International Women's Media Foundation in New York on Oct. 16, Simpson said colleague Cokie Roberts had received a suspicious letter from Trenton, N.J., USA Today reported Thursday.
Trenton was the origin of suspicious letters sent to media organizations and Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle. In fact, although ABC was investigating a suspicious letter in its Washington bureau, it did not originate from Trenton. The letter proved to be harmless.
ABC executives were also upset that Simpson, speaking before a roomful of reporters, revealed details about the infant who contracted anthrax after a visit to ABC, including that the baby's mother worked for her.
Simpson, in a statement issued Thursday, said she regretted the mistake about the Trenton postmark.
"My goal as a journalist is to always try to get it right," she said. "When any of us in this profession makes a mistake, it's important to say so."
An ABC News spokesman declined to comment, saying ABC doesn't discuss personnel issues.
Simpson is the anchor of "World News Tonight" on Sundays and files reports for various ABC News broadcasts.
Comments
Lawrence.com does not necessarily agree with comments posted below - responsibility lies with the relevant user alone. Read our full policy.