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CNN’s new CEO, Chris Licht, has warned the network’s employees that more changes are coming and might not all be popular.
“No one is safe or secure right now,” a CNN staffer told Deadline.
Licht, who took over as CNN president in 2013, is said to be looking to make his mark on the network and shake things up.
Another source to The Hollywood Reporter: “I think people are legitimately sad that Brian is leaving — he was a big presence at the network — but understand that Chris has to put his stamp on the network.”
Zucker, who took over as CEO in January, is said to have made the comments during a meeting with staff last week.
He reportedly told employees that the changes were necessary to make CNN a more profitable company.
While it is not clear what specific changes Zucker was referring to, it is believed that he is planning to make some major changes to the network’s programming to boost ratings.
This comes as CNN has been struggling in the rating department in recent years. In fact, the network finished behind MSNBC and Fox News in the ratings for the month of February.
CNN has also been facing criticism from some quarters for its coverage of the Trump administration. Some have accused the network of being too critical of the president, while others have accused it of not being critical enough.
Regardless of the specific changes that Zucker has in mind, it seems clear that he is planning to shake things up at CNN in order to try and turn the network’s fortunes around. Whether or not those changes will be popular with employees or viewers remains to be seen.
Joe Simonson: “It is extremely funny how the new head of CNN is running around to GOP offices begging for access and saying that big changes are underway, and the vast majority of his staff is just constantly undermining him because they can’t help themselves
“Aside from how nakedly partisan CNN’s “reporting” is, the opinion section remains undefeated. This is from some sort of expert who is trying to scare readers by saying the GOP’s new dark turn is attacking the IRS.
Almost every single op-ed under their “political” section is about attacking republicans or boosting democrats. The NYT and WaPo try harder than this.”
Licht to employees:
“I really appreciate all that Brian has done to build the beat for CNN. He’s a great human being and a good person. I wish him all the best on his new venture. This is a time of change, and I know that it’s unsettling. There will be more changes and you might not understand it or like it all. Give us some time, see how things develop, and then give us feedback.”
CNN’s Executive Vice President: “Stelter came to CNN from the New York Times as the nation’s top media reporter. He departs CNN an impeccable broadcaster. We are proud of what Brian and his team accomplished over the years, and we’re confident their impact and influence will long outlive the show.”
