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CNN Chief Chris Licht Resigns Amidst Declining Ratings and Editorial Controversies

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Nitish Verma
New Update
Chris Licht American television newsman and producer Chris Licht has ended his tenure as head of CNN<br>Image Credit: MIKE COPPOLA/GETTY

Chris Licht, the CEO of CNN, has stepped down from his position "effective immediately," according to an announcement made by Warner Brothers Discovery, the parent company of the news network. Licht's departure comes as CNN faces challenges in reversing a decline in ratings and grappling with editorial decisions that have drawn criticism.

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Notably, a recent town hall meeting with former President Donald Trump generated controversy for its perceived bias in favor of the ex-president. The leadership shakeup underscores the difficulties faced by major news outlets striving to appeal to a divided audience in a climate of widespread misinformation.

Ratings Decline and Editorial Challenges

During Licht's tenure, CNN witnessed a decline in ratings, even as it positioned itself as a moderate alternative between the right-leaning Fox News and the progressive MSNBC. The recent town hall meeting with Donald Trump, marked by an audience dominated by supporters and contentious interactions with moderator Kaitlan Collins, drew significant backlash and intensified scrutiny of CNN's editorial decisions.

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Warner Brothers Discovery's Announcement

Warner Brothers Discovery chief David Zaslav acknowledged Licht's passion for journalism and the challenging nature of leading CNN during a period of transformation and disruption. However, a critical article published in The Atlantic, which delved into interviews with Licht and raised questions about his leadership approach, seemingly contributed to his untenable position. Following Licht's departure, CNN will begin an active search for a replacement. In the interim, the network will be led by executive vice presidents Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley, and Eric Sherling, alongside Chief Operating Officer David Leavy.

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Balancing Both Sides

Licht's remarks in The Atlantic article revealed his sharp critique of CNN's coverage of Trump under former news chief Jeff Zucker. However, there was uncertainty among CNN journalists regarding Licht's preferred approach. The article portrayed Licht as distant and lacking trust among rank-and-file network journalists. His handling of controversies, such as the firing of former CNN presenter Don Lemon over perceived sexist remarks, also faced criticism. Licht had expressed aspirations to attract more Republican viewers to CNN, aligning with Warner Brothers Discovery's goals, which aimed to secure interviews with Republican lawmakers and present a balanced view of issues.

(Read Also: CNN CEO, Chris Licht sends email to all employees informing them of more layoffs)

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Challenges in the Political Landscape

The approach of presenting both sides of every issue faced challenges during the May 10 town hall with Trump, where the ex-president frequently spoke over Collins, perpetuated false claims about the 2020 election, and showed support for those involved in the Capitol attack. Critics likened the event to a campaign infomercial for Trump, where fact-checking efforts were overshadowed. Despite the lack of evidence, a significant percentage of Republicans continue to believe Trump's narrative about the compromised election.

Licht's Prior Experience and CNN's Direction

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Before joining CNN, Licht worked as a showrunner for CBS' "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and MSNBC's "Morning Joe." Upon assuming the role at CNN, he aimed to establish the network as a trusted beacon for all viewers. However, CNN experienced notable departures, including media reporter Brian Stelter and veteran political journalist John Harwood, who were known for their criticism of Trump. Licht's approach to news, characterized as "anti-woke centrism," drew skepticism from both the political right and left.

Implications for CNN's Future

It remains uncertain whether Licht's departure resulted from his management style or an attempt to push CNN's journalistic culture beyond its comfort zone. Rebuilding trust and regaining viewership may prove challenging for CNN, as they have seemingly alienated centrist, right-of-center, and left-of-center viewers. The network faces the ongoing task of navigating the highly polarized media landscape while maintaining journalistic integrity and appeal to a diverse audience..

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