CNN's Anderson Cooper attacks BP for staying away

[June 16, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- CNN's Anderson Cooper says he hasn't heard from BP after his attack on company executives for avoiding his newscast.

He took the unusual step on his show Monday of playing tape from 14 different nights in which he told viewers the company had either not responded to requests for interviews or declined.

Cooper said Tuesday that the company failed the test of transparency. He said its executives don't like tough questions.

Cooper's harsh words left him walking a thin line between informing his viewers about BP's unwillingness to answer questions on his newscast or appearing petulant that he's not getting guests.

BP has run into some trouble with the media during the oil spill, including reporters who have complained about restricted access to affected areas.

BP officials did not immediately return messages to talk about Cooper.

[Associated Press; By DAVID BAUDER]

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