A CNN anchor is defending himself after coming under criticism over a recent interview with his brother. The Daily Beast reports that Chris Cuomo, an anchor on CNN’s “New Day,” is defending his decision to interview his older brother, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Chris Cuomo, who spoke to his brother about the fatal train derailment in New York City, told the Daily Beast in an email sent in response to the criticism: “Obviously I did the intv because it was non political, and frankly, I invite the criticism — because it exposes the hollowness of a lot of what is out there.”

He added: “Critics say my intv was no diff than any other and then criticize anyway. Think about that. I get the obvious suspicion, but the media has to do better than simply cater to the obvious…and pawn off negativity as a proxy for insight.”

Critics included Salon writer Alex Pareene, who tweeted: “call me old fashioned but I feel like CNN ought to have had someone not named Cuomo interview Governor Cuomo,” the story notes. A Xerox marketing executive asked, “No other journalists available?”

Chris and Andrew Cuomo are members of a political family, with both men being sons of longtime New York Gov. Mario Cuomo.

Chris Cuomo