Chris Licht Out as CNN CEO
AllSides Summary
Chris Licht is stepping down as CNN's (Lean Left bias) CEO, a little over a year after taking the job.
The Details: The move was reported Wednesday morning by multiple sources. Licht will be replaced by CNN executive Amy Entelis for the interim, who previously served alongside former CEO Jeff Zucker.
For Context: Questions around Licht's job security grew following the network's town hall with Trump and an Atlantic (Left) article detailing internal tensions at the company since Licht took over. After Licht was picked to succeed Zucker in February 2022, reports emerged that CNN was making efforts to be more nonpartisan. AllSides changed CNN's rating from Left to Lean Left in March 2023 following a Blind Bias Survey and two Editorial Reviews.
Key Quotes: "I fully recognize that this news cycle and my role in it overshadowed the incredible week of reporting that we just had, and distracted from the work of every single journalist in this org," Licht reportedly told staffers on a Monday morning call. "And for that, I am sorry."
How the Media Covered It: Sources across the spectrum covered the news as a top story Wednesday. CNBC (Center) said Licht's tenure "was riddled with programming missteps and rock-bottom ratings." HuffPost (Left) called him "embattled." Fox News (Right) said Licht "failed to turn around the long-troubled news network."
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Center
CNN CEO Chris Licht out after Trump town hall fallout, brutal Atlantic article
Chris Licht is out at CNN after leading the news network for a little more than a year, parent company Warner Bros Discovery announced Wednesday morning.
The company said it is seeking a replacement. In the meantime, executives Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling and David Leavy will lead CNN, the company said.
Licht’s departure came as he faced a rebellion among CNN’s talent and staff. His tenure was riddled with programming missteps and rock-bottom ratings.
He drew even more heated criticism in recent weeks after the network hosted a...
From the Left
Chris Licht To Step Down At CNN: Reports
CNN’s embattled chief Chris Licht will reportedly step down from the role, according to multiple news reports.
He will be succeeded by Amy Entelis, a CNN executive, for the interim period, according to Puck’s Dylan Byers.
Licht was under fire following a series of controversies, including hosting a town hall with former President Donald Trump, which were detailed in a damaging profile by The Atlantic Friday.
While Licht apologized to CNN staffers during the network’s 9 a.m. editorial call on Monday for becoming a distraction and vowed to fight to earn back their trust, it seems the writing was already on the wall...
From the Right
Chris Licht Out At CNN
CNN President Chris Licht is leaving the network.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav joined CNN’s morning editorial call to announce Licht will be leaving his role as CEO, CNN correspondent Omar Jimenez tweeted.
Licht is reportedly slated to be replaced by CNN executive Amy Entelis who previously served alongside former CEO Jeff Zucker, Puck News reported.
Licht’s reported ousting comes just days after The Atlantic published an article entitled “Inside The Meltdown At CNN,” which detailed alleged tensions between staffers since Licht took over the network last April. Licht reportedly apologized to his staff during Monday’s editorial meeting...
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