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After 8 Months, Chris Licht Steps Down as CEO of CNN, Amidst Turmoil
Chris Licht stepped down as CEO of CNN on Tuesday, just eight months after taking over the news network. The announcement came after a scathing profile in The New York Times that painted a picture of a chaotic and dysfunctional workplace.
The Times article, which was published on Monday, detailed a number of problems at CNN, including low morale, infighting among top executives, and a lack of vision for the future. Licht was also criticized for his management style, which was described as “micromanaging” and “abrasive.”
In a statement, Licht said that he was leaving CNN to “pursue other opportunities.” He added that he was “proud” of the work that he had done at the network and that he was “confident” that CNN would “continue to be a leader in news and information.”
Licht’s departure is a major setback for CNN, which has been struggling to compete with Fox News and MSNBC in recent years. The network has lost viewers and revenue, and its reputation has been tarnished by a number of high-profile scandals.
Licht accused Zucker of undermining his leadership by planting negative stories about the news operation.
His departure comes a little more than a year after he took over for Jeff Zucker, the beloved former network boss who was forced to quit after revelations of a relationship with a subordinate.
“I have great respect for Chris, personally and professionally,” Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said in a statement.
“The job of leading CNN was never going to be easy, especially at a time of huge disruption and transformation, and he has poured his heart and soul into it.”
It is unclear who will replace Licht as CEO of CNN. The network is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, which is in the process of merging with CNN’s parent company, AT&T. The new company is expected to announce a new CEO for CNN in the coming weeks.
Licht’s departure is a sign of the deep problems that CNN is facing. The network needs to find a new leader who can unite the staff, restore morale, and develop a clear vision for the future. If CNN is unable to do so, it is likely to continue to struggle in the years to come.