CNN appoints its third CEO in just two years, facing ongoing challenges.
CNN Appoints Former BBC and New York Times CEO to Lead Turnaround Efforts
CNN is undergoing a major leadership change as it seeks to revitalize its news organization, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. Mark Thompson, the former chief executive of the BBC and The New York Times, has been appointed as the new chair and CEO of CNN.
Thompson’s appointment was announced by David Zaslav, the head of Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent company. This move comes after the firing of Chris Licht and a four-person interim team that had been running CNN.
Thompson brings with him a wealth of experience, having successfully transformed The New York Times into a digital-first organization during his tenure as president and CEO. He is credited with shifting the focus to paid subscribers and navigating the challenges posed by the declining advertising market.
Prior to his time at The New York Times, Thompson served as the director-general of the BBC from 2004 to 2012. Zaslav praised Thompson as a “true innovator” who has propelled two of the world’s most respected news organizations into the digital age.
In a statement, Thompson expressed his optimism and said, ”Where others see disruption, I see opportunity.” His strategic vision and passion for news make him a formidable force for CNN and journalism in this pivotal time.
Challenges Faced by CNN
The decision to replace Licht comes after a tumultuous period for CNN, during which it fell behind competitors like Fox News and MSNBC in terms of popularity. Licht’s approach of finding a middle ground and emphasizing newsgathering did not resonate with viewers in a politically polarized climate.
Furthermore, Licht’s tenure was marred by a critical profile in The Atlantic magazine, which highlighted his failure to connect with employees who were loyal to his predecessor, Jeff Zucker. Zucker himself was forced to step down earlier in 2022 due to a failure to disclose a romantic relationship with a fellow network executive.
In addition to these leadership challenges, CNN has also faced financial difficulties. Its profits have declined, and the network had to shut down a streaming service shortly after Licht’s appointment. However, CNN recently announced that its news content will be included in its Max streaming service.
Despite these setbacks, CNN is determined to turn things around under Thompson’s leadership. The network has also made changes to its prime-time lineup, with new hosts taking on weeknight roles and veteran journalists securing weekend gigs.
Thompson’s appointment marks the third CEO change for CNN in the past two years, highlighting the organization’s commitment to finding the right leadership to navigate these challenging times.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
The post Struggling CNN Names Its 3rd CEO in the Last 2 Years appeared first on The Western Journal.
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