The Desk appreciates the support of readers who purchase products or services through links on our website. Learn more...

CNN hires George Zimmerman’s attorney as new legal analyst

George Zimmerman’s lead defense attorney Mark O’Mara will be making regular contributions on CNN as the network’s new legal analyst.

George Zimmerman's defense attorney and new CNN employee Mark O'Mara. (Photo: CNN)
George Zimmerman’s defense attorney and new CNN employee Mark O’Mara. (Photo: CNN)

The announcement was subtly made Friday on CNN’s breakfast program “New Day.” O’Mara later confirmed the news on his personal blog.

“It is no secret that I’ve been critical of the press, but complaining doesn’t solve anything,” O’Mara wrote. “It occurred to me that if I’m not part of the solution, I’m part of the problem.”

O’Mara said he hopes his new position at CNN will “allow me to contribute some thoughtful, moderated insight to what could otherwise be sensational and inflammatory issues.”

O’Mara is no stranger to television news. The Florida defense attorney provided color commentary and analysis for CBS affiliate WKMG in 2011 during the high-profile Casey Anthony murder trial.

O’Mara was hired in April 2012 to represent Zimmerman after the shooting death of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman was charged by Florida prosecutors with second-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting. Zimmerman’s trial began in June 2013; a jury acquitted Zimmerman in July.

 

Photo of author

About the Author:

Matthew Keys

Matthew Keys is an award-winning journalist with more than 10 years of experience covering the business of television and radio broadcasting, streaming services and the overall media industry. In addition to his work as publisher of The Desk, Matthew contributes regularly to StreamTV Insider and KnowTechie, and has worked for several well-known news organizations, including Thomson Reuters, McNaughton Newspapers, Grasswire, Comstock's magazine, KTXL-TV and KGO-TV. Matthew is a member of IRE, a trade organization for investigative reporters and editors, and is based in Northern California.

Email: [email protected] | Signal: 530-507-8380