Embattled CNN Worldwide CEO and Chairman Chris Licht has officially stepped down from his role overseeing the Warner Bros. Discovery-owned cable news network, effective immediately,
As WBD looks for a replacement, it’s tapped an interim leadership team of Amy Entelis, EVP of talent and content development; Virginia Moseley, EVP of editorial; and Eric Sherling, EVP of US programming, as well as David Leavy, COO, on the commercial side.
Clouds had been cast over Licht during his brief tenure since taking up the helm of CNN in May 2022, with his resignation coming shortly after The Atlantic published an unflattering profile piece on the network chief executive by Tim Alberta, titled “Inside The Meltdown at CNN.”
That prompted Licht to issue an apology to network staffers, while also indicating his role had become a distraction, as reported by Deadline.
Licht also faced backlash after the decision to give former U.S. President Donald Trump a platform during a 70-minute CNN Town Hall event in May where Trump, among other comments, reiterated false claims of election fraud to an audience of supporters. The town hall event was a move that – as reported by CNN itself – was “widely criticized by employees at all levels across the organization.”
In a statement regarding Licht’s exit, WBD CEO David Zaslav acknowledged he faced a tough role in spearheading CNN, particularly at a time when linear networks are experiencing declines and media companies are trying to figure out profitable shifts to streaming.
“I have great respect for Chris, personally and professionally," said Zaslav. "The job of leading CNN was never going to be easy, especially at a time of huge disruption and transformation, and he has poured his heart and soul into it. While we know we have work to do as we look to identify a new leader, we have absolute confidence in the team we have in place and will continue to fight for CNN and its world class journalism."
Before stepping in to lead CNN, Licht served as EVP of special programming at CBS and executive producer and showrunner for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”