Just a week after unveiling a new look CNN, CEO Chris Licht is leaving the news network. The departure was announced by Warner Bros Discovery boss David Zaslav.
It follows a tumultuous year for the news network, which is broadcast into millions of homes around the world.
Under his reign,
- streaming service CNN+ was axed just weeks after launching,
- schedule changes on the US version of CNN failed to improve ratings,
- mass layoffs were announced.
Additionally, a recent town hall event featuring former US President Donald Trump was widely seen as a mistake by CNN employees. Licht also axed live news programming on sister channel HLN (Headline News).
CNN employees were also vocal in criticism of Licht following the publication of a profile in The Atlantic entitled ‘Inside the Meltdown at CNN‘, which revealed the now former CEO’s thoughts on CNN coverage.
David Zaslav told CNN employees today that the company is “in the process of conducting a wide search” for a new network chief.
Zaslav has previously said he wants CNN to become less partisan, heralding a change to the network’s output. In recent years, its international service has become a pale shadow of its former self. During certain hours of the day, news bulletins have been replaced by simulcasts of US-based opinion shows.
CNN has recently launched a new streaming service for viewers in the UK and Ireland, plus a number of other countries. CNN FAST is rolling out across online platforms.
Marc Thornham