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CNN President Jeff Zucker backs Piers Morgan's gun control campaign

CNN president Jeff Zucker told CNN New York staff today that he supported Piers Morgan's decision to speak in favor of gun control, sources at the network tell POLITICO.

During a town-hall meeting with staff, Zucker was asked about CNN expressing opinion, something it has traditionally tried to avoid. Zucker said he was in favor of it where it was appropriate, citing Morgan's stance on gun control as one example, sources said.

(PHOTOS: Stars call for gun control)

Since the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting in Newtown, Conn., Morgan has emerged as a staunch advocate for increased gun control, including a ban on AR-15 assault rifles and similar weapons.

Today's meeting in New York was attended by at least 600 staffers, sources said. One described Zucker's support for Morgan's taking a position as "clear and unequivocal."

(VIDEO: Piers Morgan’s anti-gun rant)

CNN spokesperson Christa Robinson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

UPDATE (6:31 p.m.): Robinson confirms that Zucker supported Morgan's decision to express his views in this case.

This post has been updated.