CNN has announced that Mark Thompson, the former CEO of The New York Times, will be taking over as the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery’s cable news business. Thompson’s appointment is expected to be made official this week. Throughout his career, Thompson has demonstrated his leadership abilities and adaptability to the rapidly changing media landscape.
Thompson’s tenure at The New York Times was marked by his successful efforts to turn around the struggling news brand. When he took over as CEO in 2012, the company was facing significant challenges in adapting to the digital media environment. However, Thompson’s strategic decisions and leadership helped the organization navigate these challenges and regain its position as a leading news outlet. He stepped down from his role at The New York Times in 2020, with Meredith Kopit Levien succeeding him.
Although Thompson has a background in the television industry, having previously served as the director general of the BBC and the chief executive of Channel 4 in the U.K., his role at CNN will require him to bring together his expertise in both television and digital media. Warner Bros. Discovery is looking to bring the iconic TV brand into the digital universe, as evidenced by their recent announcement to stream CNN programming on Max, the company’s streaming service. Thompson’s experience and knowledge will contribute to the implementation of this strategy.
Thompson’s potential appointment at CNN was first mentioned by Semafor last week, and Puck confirmed that he is Warner Bros. Discovery’s final choice for the position. Thompson’s appointment comes after the ousting of Chris Licht in June, who faced a tumultuous year as CEO of the company. Since then, CNN has been led by an interim team of executives, including COO David Leavy, Amy Entelis, head of talent and content development, Virginia Moseley, head of editorial, and Eric Sherling, programming chief. The future of these top executives is unclear following Thompson’s appointment.
The interim leadership at CNN recently announced a schedule overhaul, solidifying the network’s primetime lineup and making adjustments in other areas. It remains to be seen how much focus Thompson will dedicate to CNN’s TV programming versus its overall business strategy. With Thompson’s extensive experience in both digital and traditional media, he is well-positioned to steer CNN towards success in the evolving media landscape.
Thompson’s appointment as CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery’s cable news business marks a new chapter for CNN. He brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of driving innovation and success in media organizations. As CNN continues to adapt and evolve, Thompson’s leadership and strategic vision will play a crucial role in ensuring the network’s continued relevance and success in the digital age.
