According to Buzzfeed, Barbieri stated that, "No one should publish any content involving Russia without coming to me and Jason [Farkas]."
"This applies to social, video, editorial, and MoneyStream. No exceptions," the email added, cited by The Hill.
The new CNN rules are in response to a Friday retraction of a published story that purported to connect Anthony Scaramucci, a Trump ally, to a state-run Russian bank.
"On June 22, 2017, CNN.com published a story connecting Anthony Scaramucci with investigations into the Russian Direct Investment Fund. That story did not meet CNN's editorial standards and has been retracted. Links to the story have been disabled. CNN apologizes to Mr. Scaramucci," the broadcaster stated.
"CNN is a broadcaster to a large extent oriented towards the Democrats. CNN has gone too far in countering the 'Russian interference.' And finally this put the broadcaster at a serious risk. CNN found itself in a difficult situation. This is not the first time CNN has published unconfirmed stories but this time it crossed the line," Kubyshkin told Radio Sputnik.
According to the expert, media coverage in the US is undergoing transformation now.
"The 'Russian factor' is irritating now. Americans are sick and tired of it. Moreover, the situation around Trump is very complicated. CNN has significantly contributed to the anti-Trump allegations. Stakes are high. The fact that the Scaramucci story was retracted signals that coverage is changing. Allegations on Russia and its interference in the US election are becoming irrelevant," Kubyshkin concluded.
The allegations on Scaramucci’s meeting with Russian officials were reported by the US media early this year, prompting concern from the US lawmakers who are currently holding an investigation into Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 US presidential election. Washington's claims that Moscow meddled in the election have been repeatedly denied by Russia's leadership over the lack of any evidence, as well as by Trump and his team.
