David Zaslav Announces Mark Thompson as New President of CNN – The Hollywood Reporter

Mark Thompson and David Zaslav

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It’s officially official: Mark Thompson will be the new leader of CNN.

Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav announced: Discovery officially announced Thompson on Wednesday, naming him president and CEO of CNN Worldwide, effective Oct. 9. Thompson will oversee CNN’s business, strategy and operations, and “eventually serve as Editor-in-Chief.” Responsible for all CNN content, according to the company.

“There is no more experienced, respected, or capable CEO in the news business today than Mark, and we are thrilled to have him on our team and lead CNN’s global future,” said WBD CEO David Zaslav. Mark is a true innovator who has transformed two of the world’s most respected news organizations into the digital age. His strategic vision, proven track record in transformational leadership, and sheer passion for news make him a formidable force for CNN and journalism at this pivotal time.

“I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to join CNN after years of watching it and competing against it with a mixture of admiration and envy,” Thompson adds. “The world needs accurate, trustworthy news now more than ever, and never before have we had more ways to meet that need at home and abroad. Where others see disruption, I see opportunity. I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get to work with my colleagues.” Newcomers to build a successful future for CNN.

Thompson, the former chief executive of The New York Times Company and managing director of the BBC, will take over the news channel at a difficult moment, just months after the sacking of Chris Licht, who was ousted last June after a turbulent year in charge. Helms the company, and with the decline of the cable TV business that turned CNN into a global brand.

Since Licht’s ouster, CNN has been led by a temporary team of COO David Leavy; Amy Intellis, longtime Head of Talent and Content Development; Editor-in-Chief Virginia Mosley; and Head of Programming Eric Sherling. WBD says they will continue in their current roles under Thompson.

That interim leadership overhauled CNN’s schedule earlier this month, beefed up the primetime lineup and made adjustments elsewhere, and also revealed a plan to air CNN content on Max, WBD’s streaming platform.

In a memo to CNN staff Wednesday morning, Thompson indicated that he plans to develop CNN’s business further.

“As everyone knows, television journalism is nearing its turbulent peak,” he wrote. “We are facing pressures from every direction, structural, political, cultural, you name it. Like many other media organizations, CNN has recently felt some of the uncertainty and pain that comes with it all. There is no magic wand that I or anyone else can use to remove this disorder. But what I can tell you is that where others see a threat, I see an opportunity — especially given CNN’s great brand and powerhouse journalism. I’ve spent most of the past 20 years exploring with colleagues in some of the world’s other major news operations not only how to survive the revolution, but thrive in it and gain new audiences and new sources of income. And I aim to do the same thing in CNN. It won’t be for me The plan that wins the day however our The plan, the plan we create and implement together.

Read Thompson’s note below.

Dears,

You’ve no doubt heard the news and read David Zaslav’s letter confirming that I will be the next Chairman and CEO of CNN. I just wanted to add a few words of my own.

I cannot tell you how happy and proud I am to join you after so many years of watching – and envying – your work from the outside. Over the decades, I’ve met CNN teams in story after story from Washington, D.C. to Tiananmen Square. Two months ago, I spent a day watching CNN’s amazing coverage of the Wagner Rebellion, and watched and read our main competitors, too. That day confirmed an old truth for me: When it matters most, CNN is the best place to find out what’s going on. You always rise to the occasion.

As everyone knows, television journalism is nearing its turbulent climax. We face pressures from every direction, structural, political, cultural, you name it. Like many other media organizations, CNN has recently felt some of the uncertainty and pain that comes with it all. There is no magic wand that I or anyone else can use to remove this disorder. But what I can tell you is that where others see a threat, I see an opportunity — especially given CNN’s great brand and powerhouse journalism. I’ve spent most of the past 20 years exploring with colleagues in some of the world’s other major news operations not only how to survive the revolution, but thrive in it and gain new audiences and new sources of income. And I aim to do the same thing in CNN. It won’t be my plan that wins the day, but our plan, the plan we create and implement together. This is why, especially in the early weeks, you will find me doing more listening and learning than holding on.

I would like to add my personal thanks to the interim leadership team. Amy, David, Virginia and Eric have done an amazing job steering the ship over the past two months and I look forward to working with them.

My first official day in the office is October 9th, but I plan to go several times before that date. So, if you see a tall character speaking with an English accent and laughing out loud, you will know who it is.

all the best,

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