CEO Mark Thompson names successor in company reshuffle

CNN’s Leadership Changes: A Shift in Direction

Mark Thompson, the president of CNN, has discreetly named Alex McCollum as a potential successor. McCollum, who currently heads digital operations at CNN, previously worked with Thompson during his tenure at the New York Times. Recently, she was appointed as the new chief operating officer for the left-leaning cable network.

Thompson informed the staff about this transition through a memo earlier this week, as indicated by a report from the Status Newsletter.

This appointment could be a setback for other executives at CNN, particularly Virginia Moseley, the editor-in-chief, who was previously viewed as a strong candidate for the CEO position, according to Status.

In January 2024, reports surfaced indicating dissatisfaction among CNN staff regarding Moseley’s promotion to editor-in-chief by Thompson.

A source mentioned at the time that she was often described as a “tyrant,” stating, “She brought reporters and producers to tears. She fires before she can aim.”

This reorganization comes at a critical juncture as CNN faces dwindling cable revenues and seeks to pivot towards a subscription-based digital news model. This is also happening while preparing for the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance.

Thompson is implementing a significant shift at CNN, focusing on a “viewer-first” strategy that emphasizes digital subscriptions and streaming. This plan includes layoffs and a restructured approach to consumer engagement.

McCollum plays a pivotal role in this initiative, overseeing CNN’s digital products and contributing to the launch of its subscription and streaming services. Initially brought on board by former CNN President Jeff Zucker to create CNN+, her brief streaming service, she returned to work with Thompson to spearhead the digital transformation.

In his memo, Thompson commended McCollum for her numerous “significant accomplishments” and the establishment of a “world-class digital operation.” He highlighted her role in launching CNN’s direct-to-consumer subscription service.

The executive changes are unfolding amid uncertainty concerning the network’s future ownership and the implications for Thompson’s leadership.

In February, Paramount Skydance agreed to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, valued around $31 a share, totaling about $110 billion. This deal puts assets like CNN, HBO, and Warner Bros. Studios under the influence of Paramount CEO David Ellison.

Many in CNN’s newsroom are uneasy about this acquisition, raising concerns over editorial autonomy and the network’s future under new management.

During a recent meeting, Thompson tried to reassure staff, expressing his commitment to CNN and his intention to remain through the ownership transition, which still requires regulatory approval.

However, uncertainty lingers within the company, partly due to recent layoffs and leadership shifts at CBS News by Paramount and widespread worries about how Ellison’s media conglomerate will restructure CNN.