Poynter is reporting that Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich described his arrest in Russia and his 491 days in custody in his first television interview since his release, telling "Good Morning America" co-host George Stephanopoulos that learning he faced espionage charges left him relieved.
It said Gershkovich, arrested March 29, 2023, while reporting in Russia, recounted being surrounded by about half a dozen masked officers of Russia's Federal Security Service at a restaurant, taken to the ground and hooded before being carried away. He said he was relieved at the espionage charge because he believed he would not be tortured and that his case would become a swap.
Poynter said Gershkovich, now 34, described a prison routine that began at 6 a.m., with 23 hours a day spent in a cell, exercise inside the cell, reading, meditation and occasional television watched with his Russian cellmate, with whom he bonded over "SpongeBob SquarePants." He said he received letters from his parents and was allowed one visit, during which his father told him, "We come here with respect for you."
According to Poynter, Gershkovich said he wrote a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin seeking a pardon, and was sentenced July 19, 2024, to 16 years in prison before being released Aug. 1, 2024, in a swap involving 24 prisoners from six countries. He thanked former President Joe Biden, saying he was the reason Gershkovich was able to sit for the interview.
Poynter said Gershkovich has a new book, "This Cursed Beautiful Land: A Russian-American Story," and also spoke with Wall Street Journal editor-in-chief Emma Tucker. He told Tucker his experience changed how he thinks about journalism, saying accepted norms for foreign correspondents are shifting as more countries become authoritarian, and that he also sees a chilled atmosphere for journalists in the United States.
Separately, Poynter is reporting that Fox News Media parted ways with Maria Bartiromo earlier this month and that Fox Business host Larry Kudlow is filling in as host of "Sunday Morning Futures." It said Kudlow will host through Nov. 8, the weekend after the midterm elections, and that the network will name a permanent host later. Poynter said Fox did not give a reason for Bartiromo's departure, and that her lawyer called reports she was fired "irresponsible."
Poynter also reported that "Today" show weatherman Al Roker left Monday's broadcast early for jury duty, with co-host Savannah Guthrie telling viewers that Dylan Dreyer was taking over. It said co-host Craig Melvin told viewers Roker would return the next day, and that Roker later posted an Instagram video calling jury service everyone's civic duty.