Mark Thompson appointed Chairman and CEO of CNN: Update

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Mark Thompson appointed Chairman and CEO of CNN: Update

UPDATE: Warner Bros. Discovery has officially announced that Mark Thompson will be the new chairman and CEO of CNN. Thompson, a true innovator in the digital age, has successfully transformed two of the world’s most respected news organizations, The New York Times Co. and the BBC. His selection as CEO is a stark contrast to the previous leader, Chris Licht, as Thompson has a proven track record of leading global news organizations. Thompson will report directly to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, while the current leadership team will continue in their roles under Thompson’s guidance.

Earlier this summer, there were expectations that the interim leaders would remain in place until the 2024 election. However, with Thompson’s appointment, it was speculated whether some of the interim leaders would stay. During a staff Zoom call, David Leavy assured the team that no one would be leaving and praised the contributions of Virginia Moseley and Amy Entelis. Thompson expressed his excitement about joining CNN, stating that he admires the network and sees great opportunities for accurate and trustworthy news in today’s world. He is eager to work with his new colleagues to build a successful future for CNN.

Thompson will face immediate challenges, including CNN’s foray into streaming with the upcoming launch of CNN Max. This streaming service will feature the CNN International live feed and new programming from CNN talent. CNN will be competing with other networks that have already established their streaming platforms. Thompson’s experience and background will be crucial in navigating these challenges.

During his tenure as president and CEO of The New York Times, Thompson significantly increased digital subscriptions and revenues, positioning the media outlet as a success story in the transition from print. He introduced digital brands like The Daily podcast and Wirecutter. At CNN, Thompson will need to address the decline in linear television viewership as consumer habits shift towards streaming options. Despite recent declines, Thompson aims to earn the trust of CNN’s 4,000-employee workforce and bring a sense of stability to the network.

Warner Bros. Discovery emphasized that Thompson will act as editor-in-chief, taking ultimate responsibility for all CNN content. This suggests that he will have a more hands-on approach to editorial decisions compared to his predecessor. Thompson’s appointment comes after a period of staff discord under Chris Licht’s leadership, marked by layoffs, the shutdown of CNN+, and a controversial town hall event with Donald Trump.

Thompson’s extensive experience, including his role as director general of the BBC and his contributions to the development of the BBC iPlayer, make him well-suited to lead CNN. He will assume the role of CEO at a crucial time, as the 2024 presidential race heats up and CNN aims to regain its viewership. Thompson’s appointment brings cautious optimism among the staff, who hope for a more stable and successful future under his leadership.

PREVIOUSLY: Mark Thompson, former CEO of The New York Times Co. and director general of the BBC, is expected to be named the next head of CNN. Thompson will succeed Chris Licht, who left the network in June amid staff turmoil. An interim leadership team has been in charge since then. Thompson’s appointment has been widely reported, and an official announcement is expected soon.

Thompson’s arrival at CNN comes at a time of significant changes in linear television. The network has experienced a decline in viewership since the last presidential election and has been surpassed by rivals MSNBC and Fox News. However, Thompson will also be joining CNN as the 2024 presidential race begins, which promises to be a unique campaign due to former President Donald Trump’s criminal proceedings.

Thompson will be the third permanent CEO of CNN in less than two years. Jeff Zucker left abruptly in 2022, and Chris Licht was chosen as his replacement but was ousted after a year. The interim leadership team has implemented schedule changes and plans to launch CNN Max, a live streaming hub, to adapt to the decline in linear television.

Thompson’s experience at The New York Times, the BBC, and Channel 4, along with his success in transforming the Times into a digital news subscription company, make him a strong candidate for leading CNN.

Violet Granger

Violet, a film enthusiast from New Orleans, draws inspiration from the city's vibrant and eclectic arts scene. Having studied English and Film at Tulane University, her articles often delve into the connections between literature and film, analyzing adaptations and the impact of storytelling techniques.

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