CNN appoints Mark Thompson new CEO

CNN announced on Wednesday the appointment of British media veteran Mark Thompson as its upcoming CEO, aiming to address its recent decline in ratings. Thompson, who previously held leadership roles at the BBC and The New York Times Company, will officially begin his role on October 9, according to a statement from Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent company.

Thompson’s selection comes after the departure of former CEO Chris Licht, who left the position in June amid controversies surrounding editorial decisions. One notable instance was a town hall meeting with former President Donald Trump, where crowd reactions overshadowed the conversation’s substance.

David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, expressed confidence in Thompson’s capabilities, citing his impressive track record in leadership roles that have motivated organizations to aim higher and achieve their goals.

Mark Thompson has previously served as the director-general of the BBC from 2004 to 2012 and later as the president and CEO of The New York Times Company from 2012 to 2020. During his time with The New York Times, the newspaper experienced a significant shift into the digital realm and witnessed a substantial increase in subscriptions, reaching over 10 million in 2023.

CNN has encountered a series of challenges recently, including declining ratings and profits, along with prominent figures like Chris Cuomo leaving the network. The challenges also included high-profile departures and revelations about executives, such as former CNN president Jeff Zucker stepping down due to undisclosed romantic relationships.

One of Thompson’s initial tasks will be the launch of CNN Max, the company’s streaming service, on September 27. A previous streaming venture, CNN+, was discontinued at a loss in April 2022 shortly after its launch. This decision was influenced by new management following the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery to form Warner Bros. Discovery in April 2022.

Source: AFP