CNN has faced a lot of challenges over the past 18 months, including scandals, departures of key staff, dropping ratings and profits. Most recently, Chris Licht, the CEO and chairman of CNN unexpectedly resigned amid controversies, as he failed to steer the channel through tough times. Over the last two years, CNN has seen many upheavals leading to the latest development of Chris Licht’s exit. Here are some of the major instances of upheaval at CNN:
In December 2021, CNN fired its star anchor, Chris Cuomo, following revelations that he played a more intimate role in supporting his brother’s political affairs than the channel initially recognized. Later CNN learned of sexual misconduct allegations against Cuomo.
In February 2022, Jeff Zucker, CNN’s President, resigned after failing to disclose his consensual relationship with a colleague. Mr. Zucker‘s departure raised tensions in the newsroom, with many questioning the reasons for it.
In May 2022, after WarnerMedia’s acquisition of Discovery was finalized, Chris Licht took over the reins of leadership at CNN. Licht, an executive producer of Stephen Colbert’s show, wanted CNN’s news coverage to appeal to viewers from across the spectrum. However, his move received mixed reactions from staff. Licht’s plan led to Warner Bros. Discovery shutting down CNN+ just weeks after its much-hyped launch, and he announced that budget cuts would be coming.
In April 2022, CNN severed its association with Don Lemon, a primetime anchor, following his sexist remarks. Lemon’s controversial co-hosting of ‘CNN This Morning’ hastened his exit.
In May 2022, CNN hosted a town hall meeting in New Hampshire with former US President Donald Trump, which received much criticism from viewers and staff alike. During an editorial call, Chris Licht defended and applauded the decision to air the town hall meeting.
On June 2, 2023, The Atlantic published a 15,000-word article, criticizing Chris Licht’s leadership as CEO of CNN. The article appeared to be the final straw, as David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, announced Licht’s resignation, effective immediately. Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley, and Eric Sherling, along with new COO David Leavy, will take over as CNN’s interim leaders before a permanent replacement is found.
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