Former director-general of the BBC and
president and CEO of The New York Times Company to take the helm of
the premiere global news organization
NEW
YORK, Aug. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- News
industry leader Mark Thompson has
been appointed to the role of Chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide.
Thompson will report to David
Zaslav, chief executive officer, Warner Bros. Discovery, and
the appointment will be effective on October
9.
In his new role, Thompson will lead CNN's strategy, operations
and business units, including its global portfolio of networks,
channels and programming across broadcast, streaming and digital as
well as CNN's approximately 4,000 employees worldwide. He will act
as editor-in-chief, ultimately responsible for all CNN content.
"There isn't a more experienced, respected or capable executive
in the news business today than Mark, and we are thrilled to have
him join our team and lead CNN Worldwide into the future," said
David Zaslav, chief executive
officer, Warner Bros. Discovery. "Mark is a true innovator who has
transformed for the digital age two of the world's most respected
news organizations. His strategic vision, 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 chance to join CNN after
years of watching it and competing against it with a mixture of
admiration and envy," said Thompson. "The world needs accurate
trustworthy news now more than ever and we've never had more ways
of meeting that need at home and abroad. Where others see
disruption, I see opportunity. I can't wait to roll up my sleeves
and get down to work with my new colleagues to build a successful
future for CNN."
A 40-plus-year veteran of the news business, Thompson has a
formidable reputation as a programmer, editorial leader and
successful business innovator. As president and CEO of The
New York Times from 2012-2020, he led
the creation of the world's largest and most successful digital
business to date, increasing paid digital subscriptions to the
Times tenfold and more than doubling the company's total digital
revenues. During his tenure, there were also stand-out innovations
in podcasting (The Daily) and life-style and features
content (NYT Cooking, NYT Games, Wirecutter). Thompson has served
as Chairman of Ancestry since December
2020.
Previously, as director-general (CEO and editor-in-chief) of the
BBC from 2004-2012, Thompson presided over one of the world's
biggest newsrooms as well as scores of national and international
TV and radio services and extensive global digital news assets. He
led the development of the BBC iPlayer, the world's first streaming
service from a major broadcaster, expanded web and smartphone
services from news to education to entertainment, and oversaw
coverage of the biggest events of the time from the global
financial crisis of 2008-09 to the 2012 Olympic Games in
London. Before becoming a senior
executive, Thompson was a working researcher, director, field
producer and award-winning showrunner in the BBC's news
division.
Mark Thompson was knighted for
services to Media in the King's Birthday Honours June 2023.
CNN's interim leadership team of Amy
Entelis, EVP, Talent and Content Development, David Leavy, COO, Virginia Moseley, EVP of Editorial, CNN US, and
Eric Sherling, EVP of U.S.
Programming will continue in their functional roles, reporting to
Thompson.
CNN Worldwide is the most honored brand in cable news, reaching
more individuals on television and online than any other cable news
organization in the United States.
Globally, people across the world can watch CNN International,
which is widely distributed in over 200 countries and territories.
CNN Digital is the #1 online news destination, with more unique
visitors than any other news source.
About Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros.
Discovery (NASDAQ: WBD) is a leading
global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes
the world's most differentiated and complete portfolio of content
and brands across television, film and streaming. Available in more
than 220 countries and territories and 50 languages, Warner
Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences
worldwide through its iconic brands and products including:
Discovery Channel, Max, discovery+, CNN, DC,
Eurosport, HBO, HBO Max, HGTV, Food Network,
OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT,
TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, MotorTrend,
Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Film
Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner
Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim,
Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español,
Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information,
please visit www.wbd.com.
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SOURCE Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.