CNN announced Wednesday that British media veteran Mark Thompson would assume the role of its next CEO, as the news outlet attempts to reverse ratings decline. Thompson — the former director-general of the BBC, as well as the ex-president and CEO of The New York Times Company — is set to begin the role of head honcho on October 9, according to a report released by CNN’s parent firm Warner Bros. Discovery.
David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, commented in the statement that– given Thompson’s “formidable record” and “ability to inspire organizations to raise their own ambitions and sense of what’s possible — and achieve it” — he was the ideal person to lead CNN.
Thompson, who has served as both director-general of the BBC from 2004 to 2012 and The New York Times company chief from 2012 to 2020, will face several obstacles in revitalizing the network. CNN has dealt with a string of scandals, controversies, and ratings/financial dips ever since Chris Licht stepped down after falling under the microscope for editorial blunders, including his moderating of a Trump town hall skewing to favour the crowds of supporters and denounce Collins.
Thompson’s mission moving forward will be jump starting streaming service, CNN Max, on the 27th of September. The platform draws from its predecessor– the unmitigated flop ABS+ eight months prior– which directorate at helm was confronted by theAR rm ers.erging with DISinfo Company formation of WB W erserDiscovery.
