Chris Licht, Chairman and CEO, CNN International speaks onstage all through the Warner Bros. Discovery In advance 2022 display at The Theater at Madison Sq. Lawn on Would possibly 18, 2022 in New York Town.
Kevin Mazur | Getty Photographs
Embattled CNN Leader Government Chris Licht apologized to the scoop group’s body of workers Monday morning all through the cable information community’s 9 a.m. ET name, in keeping with folks aware of the subject.
Licht informed staffers he did not acknowledge himself in a fifteen,000-word profile tale in The Atlantic that printed Friday. The tale documented his perspectives on CNN’s protection and his makes an attempt at successful over staffers all through his first 12 months at the process.
Some CNN staffers noticed the Licht mag profile as appearing deficient judgment at a time when scores are falling and workers are brazenly rebelling in opposition to his determination ultimate month to air a Donald Trump the town corridor with loads of his cheering fanatics. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav wasn’t happy with the profile, titled “Within the Meltdown at CNN,” and agreed it was once mishandled, in keeping with folks aware of his pondering.
Licht mentioned all through the decision he understands staffers’ frustration and is intent on incomes his workers’ believe, mentioned the folks. He did not particularly talk to why he participated in The Atlantic profile, by which reporter Tim Alberta spent months with Licht, together with becoming a member of him on the gymnasium all through a non-public coaching consultation and attending behind the curtain CNN programming rehearsals. Licht’s remarks had been brief, mentioned the folks, who weren’t approved to talk about the subject publicly.
A CNN spokesperson declined to remark.
Licht introduced the hiring of David Leavy on Thursday because the community’s new leader running officer. Leavy might be tasked with taking on advertising and marketing, public family members, promoting gross sales, amenities and different logistics.
The transfer will permit Licht to focal point extra on programming, which is his background. Licht helped introduced MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” as its govt manufacturer in 2007 and later turned into govt manufacturer and showrunner of “The Overdue Display with Stephen Colbert” on CBS.
WATCH: Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav discusses corporate’s efficiency on ‘Squawk Field’