S
ir Mark Thompson has spoken of his dedication to constructing a “successful future for CNN” after being appointed the most recent chief of the US media large.
The media govt served as director-general of the BBC from 2004 till 2012, earlier than leaving to work as chief govt on the New York Times for eight years till 2020.
He was knighted for companies to media within the King’s Birthday Honours in June 2023.
On Wednesday, CNN’s dad or mum firm Warner Bros Discovery introduced that Sir Mark would be the new chair and chief govt of CNN Worldwide, changing Chris Licht who stepped down efficient instantly in June after 13 months.
Mr Licht left after his tenure noticed CNN fall behind Fox News and MSNBC in recognition, as he inspired the media large to discover a center floor throughout a politically polarised time the place opinionated news appeared to attach extra with viewers.
Sir Mark will take up the place from October 9 in an try to assist CNN compete throughout what Warner Bros Discovery chief govt David Zaslav just lately referred to as a “time of huge disruption and transformation”.
Sir Mark stated: “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.
“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.
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
“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.”
Warner Bros Discovery stated Sir Mark would act as editor-in-chief of CNN, liable for all content material throughout its “global portfolio of networks, channels and programming”, in addition to the corporate’s 4,000 workers worldwide.
Mr Zaslav stated: “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.
(Sir Mark’s) 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
“Mark is a true innovator who has transformed for the digital age two of the world’s most respected news organisations.
“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.”
As the BBC director-general, Sir Mark led the event of the BBC iPlayer, expanded net and smartphone companies, and presided over one of many world’s greatest newsrooms throughout the 2008 world monetary disaster and the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Meanwhile, on the New York Times, he helped lead the transition to a digital-first service with a big subscriber base.
