On his first day as the CEO of CNN, Mark Thompson found himself thrust into the middle of a global crisis. Hamas had launched a surprise attack against Israel, and Thompson knew that how CNN covered this conflict would be crucial for the network’s plan to reclaim its position as the global TV news leader.
Thompson is no stranger to the news business, having previously served as the director-general of the BBC and CEO of The New York Times. He understands the importance of covering seismic events and the need for quick and efficient reporting. During his Monday morning editorial call, Thompson praised CNN’s coverage of the Hamas-Israel conflict, stating that it had been “basically great.”
CNN has a history of benefiting from major events, with viewers tuning in even if they don’t typically watch TV news. When Russia invaded Ukraine last year, CNN’s viewership soared as people turned to the network for coverage of the war. It remains to be seen if CNN will experience a similar rise in viewership due to the violence in Israel, but Thompson is well aware of the stakes at hand.
However, Thompson recognizes that CNN has serious business-side problems to address. He believes that TV is too dominant at CNN, while digital remains too marginal. He acknowledges the talent and creative potential on the digital side but admits that CNN’s digital products lag behind the current state of the art.
Nevertheless, the Israel conflict is not the first time new leadership has joined CNN during a geopolitical crisis. Thompson’s predecessor, Chris Licht, took over CNN just months before Russia invaded Ukraine. On both occasions, CNN has excelled in its coverage of these conflicts.
Thompson understands the personal toll that covering such events can take on journalists. The safety of his reporters is of utmost importance to him, and he stresses the importance of communication and caution. As veteran correspondents like Clarissa Ward and her team report from the Israel-Gaza border, Thompson is reassured by their experience and their ability to make split-second decisions to ensure their own safety.
While covering conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and the violence in Israel can be inherently dangerous, news organizations rely on the expertise and experience of their journalists to navigate these situations. Veteran correspondents and producers are often deployed to the frontlines as they have the knowledge to assess and manage risks effectively.
CNN, like many other news outlets, understands the significance of covering major world events. These events provide opportunities for news organizations to define themselves and showcase their reporting capabilities. However, they also come with risks and uncertainties. Journalists can find themselves in dangerous situations, facing arrest, capture, injury, or even death. It is a constant concern for news executives, and their priority is always the safety and well-being of their reporters.
While covering conflicts can be fraught with challenges, CNN has some advantages when it comes to reporting from Israel. The country has multiple commercial flights from the U.S. every day, and CNN already has an established bureau there. This gives the network ample resources on the ground, allowing them to provide comprehensive coverage of the conflict.
In conclusion, Mark Thompson’s first day as CEO of CNN coincided with a global crisis. The conflict between Hamas and Israel presented CNN with an opportunity to showcase its reporting capabilities and regain its status as the global TV news leader. Thompson acknowledged the stakes at hand and commended CNN’s coverage of the conflict. However, he also recognized the need to address the digital side of the business and ensure the safety of his reporters. With experienced correspondents and producers on the ground, CNN is well-equipped to cover the conflict in Israel and navigate the risks that come with reporting from a war zone.