CNN’s Chris Licht could be in trouble with David Leavy as COO
CNN Chief Chris Licht’s tenure could be in danger following the announcement that a new Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be installed by CNN’s corporate overlord. CNN has faced turmoil over the last year, following Licht’s appointment as successor to ousted Jeff Zucker, mostly in relation to concerns over the handling of fired-anchor Don Lemon. The situation was detailed in a 9,000-word report by The Atlantic. David Leavy, who is a loyalist to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, has been announced as CNN’s new COO, which has raised concerns about a possible power-struggle. Sources cited by The Atlantic have suggested Licht is under added pressure because of his interference in editorial matters. Recent records have shown that the channel’s ratings have slumped to new lows, with Newsmax ahead in certain primetime spots, leading Licht to attempt a pivot of CNN towards the political center from what is deemed by some to have been a position veering towards the left in recent years.
FAQs:
Who is Chris Licht and why is he under pressure?
Chris Licht is CNN’s chief, who has faced difficulties during his 12-month tenure over the firing of Don Lemon and other internal turmoil. The Atlantic article suggests Licht is under pressure due to meddling from his bosses and a newsroom loyal to his predecessor.
What is The Atlantic article about?
A 9,000-word expose by The Atlantic examines the present state of CNN, detailing the difficulties which have arisen due to Licht’s appointment as the chief. The report suggests Licht’s position is precarious due to the interference of David Leavy, who has just been appointed COO, as well as the loyalty of the newsroom’s staff towards Jeff Zucker, Licht’s predecessor.
What is happening to CNN’s ratings?
CNN’s ratings have slumped to new lows, with Newsmax moving ahead in certain primetime spots.
Who is the new COO at CNN?
David Leavy is the new COO, a loyalist of Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, and his appointment has raised the possibility of a potential power-struggle.
What is Licht’s strategy for CNN?
Licht’s strategy is to pivot CNN towards the political center from what some view as a channel moving left in recent years.
COO David Leavy may hold CNN’s Chris Licht accountable.
CNN chief Chris Licht may face an uncertain future as the network’s new Chief Operating Officer, David Leavy, takes over. Leavy’s appointment has stirred speculations that it could trigger a power struggle with Licht already facing multiple issues. Since taking over from ousted Jeff Zucker last year, Licht has faced internal disharmony over former anchor Don Lemon’s firing. Meanwhile, CNN’s ratings continue to decline, and staffers are unhappy with Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav’s alleged meddling with editorial decisions. Sources have even suggested that Leavy’s appointment could mark “the beginning of the end” for Licht.