Logo

Key CNN Executive Resigns

Jan 29, 2013  •  Post A Comment

Amid a climate of change under new CNN Worldwide President Jeff Zucker, a key executive has announced his departure from the network. Deadline.com reports that Mark Whitaker, who has been CNN’s managing editor and executive vice president, is exiting the cable channel.

Zucker will take over his duties, which include overseeing CNN’s editorial tone and direction, the piece reports. Whitaker’s position will not be filled.

Whitaker spread word of his resignation to colleagues in a memo, in which he wrote: “With Jeff Zucker’s arrival, we have a new leader with his own forceful ideas about where to take CNN’s reporting, programming and brand. For him to succeed, I believe he deserves his own team and management structure and the freedom to communicate one clear vision to the staff.”

The report notes: “Whitaker came aboard two years ago from MSNBC and spearheaded several moves at the cable news network, which suffered a ratings slump during most of 2012. He spearheaded such moves as bringing back Soledad O’Brien to a revamped morning show; adding names like Anthony Bourdain and Morgan Spurlock to the network (their shows are scheduled to premiere later this year); and starting a documentary label CNN Films.”

Meanwhile, Zucker has been busy restaffing CNN, including recently landing Rachel Nichols from ESPN to appear on a sports show and, in news that broke today, snaring Chris Cuomo from ABC News for a spot in the morning lineup.

mark-whitaker.jpg

Mark Whitaker

Your Comment

Email (will not be published)