Chris Licht Replaces Jeff Zucker As CNN CEO

Producer Chris Licht will now be taking over CNN.

Licht first developed and produced CBS “This Morning” before producing MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” franchise. He later became the Executive VP of special programming and executive producer of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” for CBS in 2016.

He will now be chairman and CEO of CNN Global after the Discovery-WarnerMedia merger is completed in April. Licht is set to assume his duties in May, as per The Hollywood Reporter. In a note to CNN staff, Licht said that he plans to “wind down at CBS in a couple of week” as he prepares to take on his new role at CNN.

“I am a journalist at heart,” Licht added. “While I have enjoyed every minute at The Late Show, I am joining CNN because I feel a genuine pull to return to news at such a critical moment in history. CNN is uniquely positioned to be a beacon of meaningful, impactful journalism for the world. I am committed to upholding and building on CNN’s legacy.”

Discovery CEO David Zaslav said “I have known and admired Chris for more than 15 years and strongly believe he is the best person to lead CNN Global as part of Warner Bros. Discovery.”

“Chris is a dynamic and creative producer, an engaging and thoughtful journalist, and a true news person,” Zaslav added. “He has more than two decades of broadcast experience across local, cable and national news. He has been in the field, in the control room and on the set. He is a highly principled individual who is trusted, hard-working and makes every organization stronger, more innovative, and more cohesive.”

Zaslav also praised CNN’s war coverage of Ukraine, calling it “extraordinary” and saying that “the stewardship of this incredible organization is an amazing opportunity.”

“I am confident you will love Chris, and that he is the next great leader to move CNN forward to even higher heights all around the world, and on every platform,” he added.

On February 2, The Blast reported that then-CEO boss Jeff Zucker was stepping down from his role after failing to disclose a relationship with a subordinate.

CNN's Chief Media Correspondent Brian Stelter posted Zucker's resignation announcement to Twitter.

"As part of the investigation into Chris Cuomo's tenure at CNN, I was asked about a consensual relationship with my closest colleague, someone I have worked with for more than 20 years," he began.

"I acknowledged the relationship evolved in recent years," he continued. "I was required to disclose it when it began but I didn't. I was wrong."

"As a result, I am resigning today," he continued.

"I came to CNN on January 28, 2013, he went on. "Together, we had nine great years. I certainly wish my tenure here had ended differently. But it was an amazing run. And I loved every minute."

"I am grateful to the thousands of incredibly talented CNN and Turner Sports employees who helped make this such a joy for me, and such a success for all of us, he concluded. "I wish each of you nothing but the best in the years ahead."

He signed off the message "With gratitude and much love. Jeff."

Although Stelter noted that Zucker did not name his colleague in the memo, it was reported that Zucker had a close relationship with Allison Gollust, who served as the Chief Marketing Officer for CNN.

In a statement, Gollust confessed that "Jeff and I have been close friends and professional partners for over 20 years. Recently, our relationship changed during COVID. I regret that we didn't disclose it at the right time."

Gollust came to CNN after leaving NBC in 2013, where she and Zucker had previously worked together for 15 years. Although she was expected to stay at CNN, she later resigned due to overwhelming backlash and an investigation into “issues associated with Chris Cuomo and former Governor Andrew Cuomo.”