CNN staffers celebrate Chris Licht exit but fear the future
On Wednesday, CNN ousted its CEO Chris Licht, who was widely disliked by staff, but the struggling network still lies in turmoil with collapsing ratings and no clear succession plan in place. The news of Licht’s departure was announced by David Zaslav, the network’s corporate overlord, who appointed a troika of experienced executives to clean up the “mess” of Licht’s 13-month tenure. However, insiders suggest that the trio are viewed as a “Band-Aid” solution rather than a long-term fix. Staff at CNN’s New York headquarters at Hudson Yards expressed concerns over Virginia Moseley’s “terse” and “icy” approach, with one former co-worker describing her as a “tyrant” who is “iron-fisted” and lacks people skills. While some staff members praised Moseley as a strong journalist and liked by on-air talent, the same wasn’t said for Eric Sherling, who was regarded as socially awkward with no leadership qualities.
Meanwhile, the most accomplished of the three executives is Amy Entelis, praised for developing CNN’s on-air talent, but her age has led some to speculate whether she is the right person for the job. Licht’s downfall came soon after a scathing magazine profile criticized him for being thin-skinned, aloof, and paranoid about negative media coverage and resentful of staff loyalty to his predecessor, Jeff Zucker.
CNN currently faces the challenge of selecting a new CEO before the critical US presidential election, with plummeting ratings of 25% in primetime in May compared to last year. The network is under pressure to address its problems, with observers questioning who will set the direction for CNN now.
FAQs:
Who is heading CNN after Chris Licht’s departure?
A trio of experienced executives, including Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling, and Amy Entelis, have been installed to clean up the “mess” left by Licht. However, they are seen as a temporary fix by some, with concerns raised over Moseley’s “terse” and “icy” approach and Sherling’s lack of leadership skills.
Why did CNN fire Chris Licht?
A scathing magazine profile of Licht depicted him as thin-skinned, aloof, and paranoid about negative media coverage, as well as resentful of staff loyalty to his predecessor, Jeff Zucker. Licht also made several programming missteps, including the relaunch of the network’s flailing morning show.
What is the challenge facing CNN’s new CEO?
The critical US presidential election is approaching, and plummeting ratings of 25% in primetime in May compared to last year have put CNN under pressure to address its problems. The network must select a new CEO who will set the direction for CNN and work to turn around its ratings.
CNN Employees Rejoice Over Chris Licht’s Departure, Yet Remain Apprehensive About What’s Next
CNN has ousted CEO Chris Licht in the wake of plummeting ratings, and while a trio of seasoned executives have been put in place to improve the situation, insiders have suggested that they are simply a temporary fix. Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling and Amy Entelis are now leading CNN, but while Entelis is considered the most accomplished of the three, both Moseley and Sherling are reportedly not seen as ideal candidates for the top position. Moseley has been described as a “tyrant” with “no people skills whatsoever,” while Sherling has apparently been criticized for lacking leadership skills and personality. Entelis, on the other hand, is well-liked and respected, but her age of 72 could count against her. Licht’s departure comes after he was the subject of unflattering coverage by a leading magazine, which portrayed him as paranoid and thin-skinned.