Mark Thompson, former CEO of The New York Times and the BBC, now leading CNN. The podcast explores Thompson's background and the challenges he faces. Topics include the future of CNN, the potential combination of NBC and CNN, and Thompson's impact as the new CEO.
Mark Thompson's experience at The New York Times and the BBC equips him to lead CNN in the post-linear future.
Mark Thompson's successful transformation of The New York Times into a multifaceted, growth-oriented brand makes him equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing CNN.
Deep dives
Mark Thompson's Background and Experience
Mark Thompson is a former executive producer and director general of the BBC and former CEO of The New York Times. With his experience in both traditional television and digital media, Thompson is well-suited to lead CNN in the post-linear future. At the BBC, he oversaw programming and demonstrated a strong understanding of the television landscape. He successfully transformed The New York Times into a multifaceted, growth-oriented brand with a thriving digital strategy. With these credentials, Thompson is equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing CNN.
Reasons for the Departure of Chris Licht
Chris Licht, the previous CNN CEO, faced numerous challenges during his tenure. As an executive producer of morning and late-night television, Licht lacked the qualifications to handle the grand business considerations of running a global news organization. His programming decisions were also criticized, with a lack of compelling primetime shows and talent moves that did not improve television quality. Moreover, Licht's management decisions resulted in alienating staff and damaging morale. Ultimately, the combination of his overall leadership failures and the mismanagement of his own press led to his departure.
CNN's Future Challenges and Opportunities
CNN faces several headwinds, including the decline of linear television and increased competition. However, there are opportunities for growth. Mark Thompson's experience at The New York Times, where he successfully transitioned to a digital and subscription-based model, can be instrumental for CNN. The intention to stream key CNN programming on the new CNN Max platform shows a willingness to embrace the digital future. Thompson will need to rethink how news is consumed and find ways to engage audiences through innovative strategies catered to their habits. By creating compelling content and leveraging the authority and reliability of CNN, there is potential for growth and profitability in the streaming era.
David Zaslav sent up the white smoke, marking the selection of a new CNN CEO. Mark Thompson comes from The New York Times and the BBC, and has his work cut out for him to dig CNN out of the hole dug by his predecessor - but really, the hole that every TV news operation is in. Puck’s Dylan Byers (@dylanbyers), who broke the news of Thompson’s hire, returns to tell Vox’s Peter Kafka all about Thompson and CNN’s second big streaming play after the quickly-abandoned CNN+.
Host: Peter Kafka (@pkafka), Senior Editor at Recode
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