Eva Longoria is returning to CNN for a revival of the Searching For franchise, this one focused on Spain.
Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain was announced at today’s Warner Bros. Discovery upfront in New York, with plans for a premiere in 2025. Per CNN, the series will feature “a gastronomic pilgrimage across the rich tapestry of Spanish cuisine.” Longoria “will enjoy some of Spain’s most iconic traditional dishes and explore how innovative Spanish cuisine is propelling the future of fine dining.”
Longoria previously partnered with CNN on Searching for Mexico. The series order is a signal that the network, after announcing a cutback in original series and films from outside suppliers, is returning to an emphasis on such longform projects under new CEO Mark Thompson. Searching for Spain comes from Hyphenate Media Group.
Eva Longoria, Cris Abrego, Rachelle Mendez and Shauna Minoprio are executive producers for Hyphenate Media Group.
Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain was announced at today’s Warner Bros. Discovery upfront in New York, with plans for a premiere in 2025. Per CNN, the series will feature “a gastronomic pilgrimage across the rich tapestry of Spanish cuisine.” Longoria “will enjoy some of Spain’s most iconic traditional dishes and explore how innovative Spanish cuisine is propelling the future of fine dining.”
Longoria previously partnered with CNN on Searching for Mexico. The series order is a signal that the network, after announcing a cutback in original series and films from outside suppliers, is returning to an emphasis on such longform projects under new CEO Mark Thompson. Searching for Spain comes from Hyphenate Media Group.
Eva Longoria, Cris Abrego, Rachelle Mendez and Shauna Minoprio are executive producers for Hyphenate Media Group.
- 5/15/2024
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
“Love is a gamble and I’m so glad that I’m winnin,” sings Luther Vandross in his 1981 classic “Never Too Much” song with a sentiment that has some extra significance today.
CNN Films and OWN have picked up Dawn Porter’s Sundance Film Festival-debuting Luther: Never Too Much documentary, it was announced today at the Warner Bros Discovery upfront in NYC. The 101-minute film, which counts Colin Firth among its EPs and had Sony Music Entertainment as its sales agent, is set to debut on CNN, OWN and streamer Max next year.
“I’m thrilled to partner again with CNN Films and OWN to bring this film to audiences,” said director Porter on Wednesday. “Luther’s music is timeless, his legacy is unsurpassed, and we can’t wait for all of his fans new and old to experience his brilliance.”
“CNN Films has a long history of bringing audiences...
CNN Films and OWN have picked up Dawn Porter’s Sundance Film Festival-debuting Luther: Never Too Much documentary, it was announced today at the Warner Bros Discovery upfront in NYC. The 101-minute film, which counts Colin Firth among its EPs and had Sony Music Entertainment as its sales agent, is set to debut on CNN, OWN and streamer Max next year.
“I’m thrilled to partner again with CNN Films and OWN to bring this film to audiences,” said director Porter on Wednesday. “Luther’s music is timeless, his legacy is unsurpassed, and we can’t wait for all of his fans new and old to experience his brilliance.”
“CNN Films has a long history of bringing audiences...
- 5/15/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
CNN aims to return to the recipe that gave its viewers explorers of international cuisine such as Anthony Bourdain and Stanley Tucci.
After announcing in October of 2022 that the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed outlet would pull back on the efforts that made it a name in original documentary series and films — ostensibly to cut costs at a time when its corporate parent was grappling with significant debt — CNN wants to get back into the business of developing original non-fiction series and movies.
“I think we are very much in the rebuild phase,” Amy Entelis, executive vice president for talent and content, tells Variety during a recent interview.
Mark Thompson, named in August to oversee CNN following a tumultuous run under predecessor Chris Licht, has articulated a strategy of building out new areas and verticals that can help the company win more customers and viewers. Original series would seem to be one of them.
After announcing in October of 2022 that the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed outlet would pull back on the efforts that made it a name in original documentary series and films — ostensibly to cut costs at a time when its corporate parent was grappling with significant debt — CNN wants to get back into the business of developing original non-fiction series and movies.
“I think we are very much in the rebuild phase,” Amy Entelis, executive vice president for talent and content, tells Variety during a recent interview.
Mark Thompson, named in August to oversee CNN following a tumultuous run under predecessor Chris Licht, has articulated a strategy of building out new areas and verticals that can help the company win more customers and viewers. Original series would seem to be one of them.
- 5/15/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Dawn Porter’s documentary about R&b icon Luther Vandross, “Luther: Never Too Much,” has been acquired by CNN Films in partnership with the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), IndieWire can reveal exclusively.
The documentary film, which first premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, will debut in 2025 first on television on CNN and OWN before it lands on Max.
The acquisition is encouraging news for CNN Films, which back in 2022 under former boss Chris Licht scaled back on its original documentary films. The brand moved away from acquisitions or commissioning projects and opted instead for newsy, quick turnaround docs produced in-house.
But CNN Films also partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Studios on this fall’s release of “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” so the two acquisitions, both from this year’s Sundance, is a positive step forward for the documentary brand.
“Luther: Never Too Much” chronicles the story of a vocal virtuoso,...
The documentary film, which first premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, will debut in 2025 first on television on CNN and OWN before it lands on Max.
The acquisition is encouraging news for CNN Films, which back in 2022 under former boss Chris Licht scaled back on its original documentary films. The brand moved away from acquisitions or commissioning projects and opted instead for newsy, quick turnaround docs produced in-house.
But CNN Films also partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Studios on this fall’s release of “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” so the two acquisitions, both from this year’s Sundance, is a positive step forward for the documentary brand.
“Luther: Never Too Much” chronicles the story of a vocal virtuoso,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
CNN is planning a return to the travel-food genre after pulling back from original series under former CEO Chris Licht.
The channel said Wednesday that it would be rebooting its Searching For franchise, with Eva Longoria set to host a new series, Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain. The new series will debut in 2025 on CNN, with Hyphenate Media Group producing the program.
“I am thrilled to be partnering once again with CNN to bring this culinary and cultural journey through Spain to life,” said Longoria in a statement. “I have always been captivated by the people, energy, and vibrant culture of Spain, and I am excited to explore my own ties to this region and share the hidden gems that have helped make it a personal favorite.”
It was Stanley Tucci who created the Searching For series with his Searching For Italy, despite winning Emmy Awards for three straight years,...
The channel said Wednesday that it would be rebooting its Searching For franchise, with Eva Longoria set to host a new series, Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain. The new series will debut in 2025 on CNN, with Hyphenate Media Group producing the program.
“I am thrilled to be partnering once again with CNN to bring this culinary and cultural journey through Spain to life,” said Longoria in a statement. “I have always been captivated by the people, energy, and vibrant culture of Spain, and I am excited to explore my own ties to this region and share the hidden gems that have helped make it a personal favorite.”
It was Stanley Tucci who created the Searching For series with his Searching For Italy, despite winning Emmy Awards for three straight years,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: CNN is picking up a second season of United States of Scandal with Jake Tapper, with plans for another series run in 2025.
The CNN Original Series, which aired on Sunday night, spotlighted figures like former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey, who talked about their experiences in the firestorm of political scandal.
The announcement of the next season was to be made at the Warner Bros. Discovery upfront today.
In a statement, Tapper said, “One thing our culture will never run dry of is scandal, so I am thrilled for the opportunity to dig into even more fascinating stories for season two. I was delighted to see audiences respond to these stories of human frailty as much as I have.” On the Deadline ElectionLine podcast, Tapper said that the topic of scandal lended itself not just to politics but other sectors as well.
The...
The CNN Original Series, which aired on Sunday night, spotlighted figures like former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey, who talked about their experiences in the firestorm of political scandal.
The announcement of the next season was to be made at the Warner Bros. Discovery upfront today.
In a statement, Tapper said, “One thing our culture will never run dry of is scandal, so I am thrilled for the opportunity to dig into even more fascinating stories for season two. I was delighted to see audiences respond to these stories of human frailty as much as I have.” On the Deadline ElectionLine podcast, Tapper said that the topic of scandal lended itself not just to politics but other sectors as well.
The...
- 5/15/2024
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Excusive: Passing along this confidential information: CNN and BBC Studios have reteamed on a new docuseries that details the inner workings of Cold War operatives in the 1980s. The news network will air Secrets & Spies: A Nuclear Game at 10 p.m. Sunday, June 2. Watch the trailer above.
Produced by BBC Studios, the four-part CNN Original Series tracks the spies operating behind the scenes in the Reagan Era as two superpowers move to the brink of nuclear war. It follows the shakiness of global geopolitics during the Cold War through the lens of two notorious double agents: Oleg Gordievsky and Aldrich Ames. As President Ronald Reagan and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher maneuver on the world stage, their agents are pulling the strings.
Gordievsky, the top Kgb double agent for the British, proves invaluable by giving insight into the Soviet mindset. In the West, Aldrich is the head of the Soviet Desk...
Produced by BBC Studios, the four-part CNN Original Series tracks the spies operating behind the scenes in the Reagan Era as two superpowers move to the brink of nuclear war. It follows the shakiness of global geopolitics during the Cold War through the lens of two notorious double agents: Oleg Gordievsky and Aldrich Ames. As President Ronald Reagan and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher maneuver on the world stage, their agents are pulling the strings.
Gordievsky, the top Kgb double agent for the British, proves invaluable by giving insight into the Soviet mindset. In the West, Aldrich is the head of the Soviet Desk...
- 5/7/2024
- by Dominic Patten and Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Poppy Harlow is exiting CNN after a morning show failure and sixteen years with the network. She had experienced a shakeup in 2022 and things just continued to go downhill. Now, she has made the decision to leave. Keep reading for all of the details.
Poppy Harlow Exiting CNN After Morning Show Failure
After sixteen years with CNN, Poppy Harlow is leaving and a lot has to do with a big shakeup that occurred in 2022. She had spent over five years co-hosting CNN Newsroom with Jim Sciutto and they made a great duo. Then, she was moved to an early morning slot alongside Don Lemon and Kaitlan Collins for CNN This Morning. Lemon had come from anchoring his own primetime show whereas Collins was a correspondent. Unfortunately, the match did not light and Lemon was starting to get into trouble. He then made an inappropriate comment about former presidential candidate, Nikki Haley.
Poppy Harlow Exiting CNN After Morning Show Failure
After sixteen years with CNN, Poppy Harlow is leaving and a lot has to do with a big shakeup that occurred in 2022. She had spent over five years co-hosting CNN Newsroom with Jim Sciutto and they made a great duo. Then, she was moved to an early morning slot alongside Don Lemon and Kaitlan Collins for CNN This Morning. Lemon had come from anchoring his own primetime show whereas Collins was a correspondent. Unfortunately, the match did not light and Lemon was starting to get into trouble. He then made an inappropriate comment about former presidential candidate, Nikki Haley.
- 4/27/2024
- by Amanda Lauren
- TV Shows Ace
Poppy Harlow is leaving CNN.
The veteran anchor announced her departure in an email to colleagues Friday.
“Mark, Amy and the CNN management team have been wonderful and have given me the space to make this decision. I am very grateful to them,” Harlow wrote. “CNN gave me the opportunity to travel across this country and around the world — often at the worst of times, but when humanity also shows the best of itself.”
“There’s been plenty written about what’s wrong with journalism, and the challenges our industry faces. And it does. But there is also so much right with it,” Harlow continued. “At the heart of everything we do is the pursuit of truth – it is the core of CNN. I remain CNN’s biggest fan and I’ll be watching and cheering you on every day.”
The anchor was most recently the co-host CNN This Morning,...
The veteran anchor announced her departure in an email to colleagues Friday.
“Mark, Amy and the CNN management team have been wonderful and have given me the space to make this decision. I am very grateful to them,” Harlow wrote. “CNN gave me the opportunity to travel across this country and around the world — often at the worst of times, but when humanity also shows the best of itself.”
“There’s been plenty written about what’s wrong with journalism, and the challenges our industry faces. And it does. But there is also so much right with it,” Harlow continued. “At the heart of everything we do is the pursuit of truth – it is the core of CNN. I remain CNN’s biggest fan and I’ll be watching and cheering you on every day.”
The anchor was most recently the co-host CNN This Morning,...
- 4/26/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Comedian Bill Maher hosts HBO’s “Real Time” on Fridays. (Courtesy photo)
Saturday nights are about to get real over at CNN.
The cable news network is set to begin airing HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher” one day after new episodes air on the premium movie network, parent company Warner Bros Discovery (Wbd) announced on Monday.
The first “Real Time” rebroadcast will take place Saturday, March 23 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time (5 p.m. Pacific Time), the networks announced. The show will still broadcast live on HBO East each Friday evening, with replays on HBO throughout the week.
“The addition of Real Time With Bill Maher to CNN’s weekend prime-time lineup marks the start of a commitment and investment into topical entertainment programming that we’re bringing to the weekends,” Amy Entelis, the Executive Vice President of Talent, Original Programming and Creative Development at CNN, said in a statement.
Saturday nights are about to get real over at CNN.
The cable news network is set to begin airing HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher” one day after new episodes air on the premium movie network, parent company Warner Bros Discovery (Wbd) announced on Monday.
The first “Real Time” rebroadcast will take place Saturday, March 23 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time (5 p.m. Pacific Time), the networks announced. The show will still broadcast live on HBO East each Friday evening, with replays on HBO throughout the week.
“The addition of Real Time With Bill Maher to CNN’s weekend prime-time lineup marks the start of a commitment and investment into topical entertainment programming that we’re bringing to the weekends,” Amy Entelis, the Executive Vice President of Talent, Original Programming and Creative Development at CNN, said in a statement.
- 3/19/2024
- by Matthew Keys
- The Desk
CNN is adding a Saturday replay of HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher to its schedule starting this week.
The replay will air at 8 p.m. Et.
The show runs on HBO on Friday evenings, but CNN has been tinkering with its weekend schedule. It’s the latest bit of corporate synergy between the Warner Bros. Discovery networks.
Amy Entelis, CNN executive vice president of talent, CNN Originals and creative development for CNN Worldwide., said in a statement, “The addition of Real Time With Bill Maher to CNN’s weekend primetime lineup marks the start of a commitment and investment into topical entertainment programming that we’re bringing to the weekends. We’ve seen that audiences enjoy Bill’s perspective and approach to news and information, and we’re looking forward to the show now being on CNN.”
CNN already had been airing Real Time Overtime, featuring extended online conversation,...
The replay will air at 8 p.m. Et.
The show runs on HBO on Friday evenings, but CNN has been tinkering with its weekend schedule. It’s the latest bit of corporate synergy between the Warner Bros. Discovery networks.
Amy Entelis, CNN executive vice president of talent, CNN Originals and creative development for CNN Worldwide., said in a statement, “The addition of Real Time With Bill Maher to CNN’s weekend primetime lineup marks the start of a commitment and investment into topical entertainment programming that we’re bringing to the weekends. We’ve seen that audiences enjoy Bill’s perspective and approach to news and information, and we’re looking forward to the show now being on CNN.”
CNN already had been airing Real Time Overtime, featuring extended online conversation,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
“Real Time With Bill Maher” is expanding its reach across Warner Bros. Discovery. Episodes of the long-running HBO show will be available on CNN the Saturdays after they premiere on HBO.
The show will still be available to watch live and on demand on Max. The second showings will begin this coming weekend on March 23.
“The addition of ‘Real Time With Bill Maher’ to CNN’s weekend primetime lineup marks the start of a commitment and investment into topical entertainment programming that we’re bringing to the weekends,” Amy Entelis, CNN executive vice president of talent for CNN Originals and creative development for CNN Worldwide, said in a press release. “We’ve seen that audiences enjoy Bill’s perspective and approach to news and information, and we’re looking forward to the show now being on CNN.”
The post-show segment for “Real Time,” titled “Overtime,” will continue to be available...
The show will still be available to watch live and on demand on Max. The second showings will begin this coming weekend on March 23.
“The addition of ‘Real Time With Bill Maher’ to CNN’s weekend primetime lineup marks the start of a commitment and investment into topical entertainment programming that we’re bringing to the weekends,” Amy Entelis, CNN executive vice president of talent for CNN Originals and creative development for CNN Worldwide, said in a press release. “We’ve seen that audiences enjoy Bill’s perspective and approach to news and information, and we’re looking forward to the show now being on CNN.”
The post-show segment for “Real Time,” titled “Overtime,” will continue to be available...
- 3/18/2024
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
Bill Maher is heading to CNN.
Real Time with Bill Maher, which airs on Friday nights on HBO, will repeat on Saturdays on sister network CNN.
The move starts on March 23.
It’s not a huge surprise that Warner Bros. Discovery is using properties from one of its linear networks to bolster that of a sibling station; CNN previously aired Overtime sections of Maher’s show on its network, although that ends with this move.
The show itself was renewed by HBO for two seasons last week, taking it through to 2026.
“The addition of Real Time With Bill Maher to CNN’s weekend primetime lineup marks the start of a commitment and investment into topical entertainment programming that we’re bringing to the weekends,” said Amy Entelis, EVP, Talent, CNN Originals and Creative Development for CNN Worldwide. “We’ve seen that audiences enjoy Bill’s perspective and approach to news and information,...
Real Time with Bill Maher, which airs on Friday nights on HBO, will repeat on Saturdays on sister network CNN.
The move starts on March 23.
It’s not a huge surprise that Warner Bros. Discovery is using properties from one of its linear networks to bolster that of a sibling station; CNN previously aired Overtime sections of Maher’s show on its network, although that ends with this move.
The show itself was renewed by HBO for two seasons last week, taking it through to 2026.
“The addition of Real Time With Bill Maher to CNN’s weekend primetime lineup marks the start of a commitment and investment into topical entertainment programming that we’re bringing to the weekends,” said Amy Entelis, EVP, Talent, CNN Originals and Creative Development for CNN Worldwide. “We’ve seen that audiences enjoy Bill’s perspective and approach to news and information,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Ted Johnson and Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Bill Maher is coming to CNN — sort of.
In an effort to grow the audience of his Emmy-nominated HBO talk show, Real Time With Bill Maher, which airs on Friday nights, Warner Bros. Discovery has just announced that it will re-air the show Saturdays at 8 p.m. Et on CNN.
Those without HBO subscriptions will be able to watch Real Time on CNN beginning this week on Saturday, March 23. With Real Time now available on Saturdays, Maher’s post-show segment, Overtime, will transition off of Fridays on CNN, though it will continue to be available on YouTube.
Now in its 22nd season, Real Time finds Maher offering his unique perspective on contemporary issues via an opening monologue, one-on-one interviews with notable guests, roundtable discussions with panelists, and the show’s signature segment, New Rules.
“The addition of Real Time With Bill Maher to CNN’s weekend primetime lineup marks the...
In an effort to grow the audience of his Emmy-nominated HBO talk show, Real Time With Bill Maher, which airs on Friday nights, Warner Bros. Discovery has just announced that it will re-air the show Saturdays at 8 p.m. Et on CNN.
Those without HBO subscriptions will be able to watch Real Time on CNN beginning this week on Saturday, March 23. With Real Time now available on Saturdays, Maher’s post-show segment, Overtime, will transition off of Fridays on CNN, though it will continue to be available on YouTube.
Now in its 22nd season, Real Time finds Maher offering his unique perspective on contemporary issues via an opening monologue, one-on-one interviews with notable guests, roundtable discussions with panelists, and the show’s signature segment, New Rules.
“The addition of Real Time With Bill Maher to CNN’s weekend primetime lineup marks the...
- 3/18/2024
- by Jeff Sneider
- LateNighter
Bill Maher’s long-running “Real Time” is getting more time across the Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio.
CNN will start running episodes of the program on Saturday nights at 8 p.m., a day after their original broadcasts on HBO. The show will also continue to be available live and on demand on the streaming platform Max.
“The addition of ‘Real Time With Bill Maher’ to CNN’s weekend primetime lineup marks the start of a commitment and investment into topical entertainment programming that we’re bringing to the weekends,” said Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent, original programming and creative development for CNN Worldwide, in a statement. “We’ve seen that audiences enjoy Bill’s perspective and approach to news and information, and we’re looking forward to the show now being on CNN.”
CNN had been airing segments from “OverTime,” a YouTube-streamed “after-show” Maher hosts with his “Real Time” guests,...
CNN will start running episodes of the program on Saturday nights at 8 p.m., a day after their original broadcasts on HBO. The show will also continue to be available live and on demand on the streaming platform Max.
“The addition of ‘Real Time With Bill Maher’ to CNN’s weekend primetime lineup marks the start of a commitment and investment into topical entertainment programming that we’re bringing to the weekends,” said Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent, original programming and creative development for CNN Worldwide, in a statement. “We’ve seen that audiences enjoy Bill’s perspective and approach to news and information, and we’re looking forward to the show now being on CNN.”
CNN had been airing segments from “OverTime,” a YouTube-streamed “after-show” Maher hosts with his “Real Time” guests,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
CNN is about to get a bigger dose of Real Time.
The cable news channel will add a replay of the HBO series Real Time with Bill Maher to its Saturday lineup at 8 p.m. starting March 23, part of a larger strategic shift in how the channel will approach its weekend programming.
“The addition of Real Time With Bill Maher to CNN’s weekend primetime lineup marks the start of a commitment and investment into topical entertainment programming that we’re bringing to the weekends,” said Amy Entelis, executive VP of talent, CNN Originals and creative development for CNN Worldwide. “We’ve seen that audiences enjoy Bill’s perspective and approach to news and information, and we’re looking forward to the show now being on CNN.”
The addition of Maher’s HBO show (it will still debut on HBO and Max Friday nights, and will stream on Max) suggests...
The cable news channel will add a replay of the HBO series Real Time with Bill Maher to its Saturday lineup at 8 p.m. starting March 23, part of a larger strategic shift in how the channel will approach its weekend programming.
“The addition of Real Time With Bill Maher to CNN’s weekend primetime lineup marks the start of a commitment and investment into topical entertainment programming that we’re bringing to the weekends,” said Amy Entelis, executive VP of talent, CNN Originals and creative development for CNN Worldwide. “We’ve seen that audiences enjoy Bill’s perspective and approach to news and information, and we’re looking forward to the show now being on CNN.”
The addition of Maher’s HBO show (it will still debut on HBO and Max Friday nights, and will stream on Max) suggests...
- 3/18/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A new CNN documentary series that examines the 2003 Space Shuttle disaster is the latest effort by the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed outlet to help its original-production arm regain momentum.
“Space Shuttle Columbia: The Final Flight” relies on footage that has never been broadcast before as well as exclusive interviews. The four-part series will air Sunday April 7 and Sunday April 14,both at 9 p.m. eastern, with two hours broadcast each evening. The program is co-produced by BBC and Mindhouse Productions.
“This chapter in the Space Shuttle Program captured the nation’s attention and is equally as captivating in the retelling, with storytelling fueled by those who lived it firsthand and newly revealed footage from the NASA archive,” said Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent, CNN Originals, and creative development for CNN Worldwide, in a statement. “Our viewers have long been fascinated by stories of space exploration and this series is...
“Space Shuttle Columbia: The Final Flight” relies on footage that has never been broadcast before as well as exclusive interviews. The four-part series will air Sunday April 7 and Sunday April 14,both at 9 p.m. eastern, with two hours broadcast each evening. The program is co-produced by BBC and Mindhouse Productions.
“This chapter in the Space Shuttle Program captured the nation’s attention and is equally as captivating in the retelling, with storytelling fueled by those who lived it firsthand and newly revealed footage from the NASA archive,” said Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent, CNN Originals, and creative development for CNN Worldwide, in a statement. “Our viewers have long been fascinated by stories of space exploration and this series is...
- 3/7/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
CNN, meet Sin City.
As CNN appears poised to expand its original series offerings, the cable channel has set its next series: Vegas: The Story of Sin City.
The series will premiere Sunday, Feb. 25 at 10 p.m., and will explore “the past seventy years of America’s cultural maturation through the lens of this unique city, featuring the entertainment acts, the visionary entrepreneurs, the infamous mafia figures, and the colorful political history that put it on the map,” per CNN.
That will include interviews with Vegas icons like Wayne Newton and Paul Anka, as well as journalists, showgirls, and historians. The series is produced for CNN by Bungalow Media+ Entertainment.
“Vegas is another of our acclaimed CNN Original Series that brings new life and color to major stories and events in our collective history,” said Amy Entelis, executive VP of talent for CNN Originals, and creative development for CNN Worldwide.
As CNN appears poised to expand its original series offerings, the cable channel has set its next series: Vegas: The Story of Sin City.
The series will premiere Sunday, Feb. 25 at 10 p.m., and will explore “the past seventy years of America’s cultural maturation through the lens of this unique city, featuring the entertainment acts, the visionary entrepreneurs, the infamous mafia figures, and the colorful political history that put it on the map,” per CNN.
That will include interviews with Vegas icons like Wayne Newton and Paul Anka, as well as journalists, showgirls, and historians. The series is produced for CNN by Bungalow Media+ Entertainment.
“Vegas is another of our acclaimed CNN Original Series that brings new life and color to major stories and events in our collective history,” said Amy Entelis, executive VP of talent for CNN Originals, and creative development for CNN Worldwide.
- 1/25/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
CNN will premiere the six-part series United States of Scandal with Jake Tapper on Feb. 18.
The series will feature figures who have been in the spotlight in various political scandals, with Tapper interviewing former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, actress Rielle Hunter, former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey and former CIA officer Valerie Plame.
In a statement, Tapper said that the series was “a surreal chance to go back and talk to the major players and unpack what actually happened, getting at the real truths and the confounding motivations and decisions.”
Two episodes will air for the series debut at 9 p.m. Et, and the remaining episodes will air at that time on subsequent Sundays.
The series comes from CNN Originals and is produced by The Intellectual Property Corporation. Aaron Saidman and Eli Holzman are executive producers for Ipc; Tapper, showrunner Gil Marsden and Amy Entelis, Lyle Gamm and Katie Hinman are EPs for CNN.
The series will feature figures who have been in the spotlight in various political scandals, with Tapper interviewing former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, actress Rielle Hunter, former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey and former CIA officer Valerie Plame.
In a statement, Tapper said that the series was “a surreal chance to go back and talk to the major players and unpack what actually happened, getting at the real truths and the confounding motivations and decisions.”
Two episodes will air for the series debut at 9 p.m. Et, and the remaining episodes will air at that time on subsequent Sundays.
The series comes from CNN Originals and is produced by The Intellectual Property Corporation. Aaron Saidman and Eli Holzman are executive producers for Ipc; Tapper, showrunner Gil Marsden and Amy Entelis, Lyle Gamm and Katie Hinman are EPs for CNN.
- 1/18/2024
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Mark Thompson’s vision for CNN is beginning to take shape.
In a wide-ranging memo titled “CNN’s Future” sent to staffers Wednesday morning, Thompson outlined a new organizational structure for the company, one built “around the future not the past.”
“We need to recapture some of the swagger and innovation of the early CNN,” Thompson wrote. “It’s time for a new revolution.
“There’s news of a fair amount of change at CNN in this memo, and no doubt more in the coming months,” he wrote. “Change is essential if we’re to secure this great news company’s future. It brings uncertainty — that I’m afraid is inevitable — but in my experience, it’s also often rich in personal and shared opportunity. As we enter this new chapter in CNN’s storied history, I’d encourage you to take a leaf out of Ted Turner’s book.
In a wide-ranging memo titled “CNN’s Future” sent to staffers Wednesday morning, Thompson outlined a new organizational structure for the company, one built “around the future not the past.”
“We need to recapture some of the swagger and innovation of the early CNN,” Thompson wrote. “It’s time for a new revolution.
“There’s news of a fair amount of change at CNN in this memo, and no doubt more in the coming months,” he wrote. “Change is essential if we’re to secure this great news company’s future. It brings uncertainty — that I’m afraid is inevitable — but in my experience, it’s also often rich in personal and shared opportunity. As we enter this new chapter in CNN’s storied history, I’d encourage you to take a leaf out of Ted Turner’s book.
- 1/17/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
CNN’s CEO Mark Thompson laid out a strategy for the news organization, focusing on integrating linear TV and digital news units, and boosting its presence and innovation on smart phones and other mobile devices.
In a memo to employees sent today (read it below), Thompson called his plans a “true multimedia strategy,” including the combination of the leadership of the international, domestic and digital news operations.
Virginia Moseley has been named to a new role as executive editor of CNN and Mike McCarthy, who had been general manager of CNN International, will be managing editor. “As far as possible we want single integrated teams to cover stories for all platforms,” he wrote.
Thompson also announced the hiring of Alex MacCallum as the new executive vice president of digital products and services, tasked with developing new digital products and “the subscription and other relationships with users that will make CNN once again indispensable to younger,...
In a memo to employees sent today (read it below), Thompson called his plans a “true multimedia strategy,” including the combination of the leadership of the international, domestic and digital news operations.
Virginia Moseley has been named to a new role as executive editor of CNN and Mike McCarthy, who had been general manager of CNN International, will be managing editor. “As far as possible we want single integrated teams to cover stories for all platforms,” he wrote.
Thompson also announced the hiring of Alex MacCallum as the new executive vice president of digital products and services, tasked with developing new digital products and “the subscription and other relationships with users that will make CNN once again indispensable to younger,...
- 1/17/2024
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Martha Stewart didn’t talk to CNN for a new original documentary series the news outlet has produced about her. But she’s still the star of the show.
“The Many Lives of Martha Stewart” is a four-part series produced by CNN Studios, a division devoted to longer-form and enterprise programming in the wake of a strategic decision made in 2022 to scale back big ambitions to compete in the documentary arena. Under previous leader Jeff Zucker, CNN extended its aegis to the world of film festivals and documentary series led by notables such as Anthony Bourdain, Lisa Ling and W. Kamau Bell.
A good chunk of that work was scrapped after Warner Bros. Discovery, a big player in the world of cost-conscious reality programming, took over CNN, and installed a leader, Chris Licht, who had a mandate to pare operations. Months later, CNN would win an Oscar for a documentary...
“The Many Lives of Martha Stewart” is a four-part series produced by CNN Studios, a division devoted to longer-form and enterprise programming in the wake of a strategic decision made in 2022 to scale back big ambitions to compete in the documentary arena. Under previous leader Jeff Zucker, CNN extended its aegis to the world of film festivals and documentary series led by notables such as Anthony Bourdain, Lisa Ling and W. Kamau Bell.
A good chunk of that work was scrapped after Warner Bros. Discovery, a big player in the world of cost-conscious reality programming, took over CNN, and installed a leader, Chris Licht, who had a mandate to pare operations. Months later, CNN would win an Oscar for a documentary...
- 1/3/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Gayle King and Charles Barkley are teaming up to host a new CNN primetime limited series which will debut on Nov. 29 and air every Wednesday at 10 p.m. Et.
“King Charles,” will be a weekly one-hour talk show program where the co-hosts will engage with each other and their guests in conversations revolving around the most interesting stories of the week.
In a promo for the new show, King and Barkley are seen on set, talking to each other and their guests, which include CNN’s John King and Audie Cornish. “Two broadcast titans are coming to CNN,” the narrator says.
“This is our unfiltered take on the biggest stories of the day,” King says in the promo, while Barkley says “We’re tired of the B.S.!”
King will remain in her role as co-host of “CBS Mornings,” and editor-at-large of Oprah Daily. King also hosts a live, weekly...
“King Charles,” will be a weekly one-hour talk show program where the co-hosts will engage with each other and their guests in conversations revolving around the most interesting stories of the week.
In a promo for the new show, King and Barkley are seen on set, talking to each other and their guests, which include CNN’s John King and Audie Cornish. “Two broadcast titans are coming to CNN,” the narrator says.
“This is our unfiltered take on the biggest stories of the day,” King says in the promo, while Barkley says “We’re tired of the B.S.!”
King will remain in her role as co-host of “CBS Mornings,” and editor-at-large of Oprah Daily. King also hosts a live, weekly...
- 11/20/2023
- by Natalie Korach
- The Wrap
Can “King Charles” rule in the heady, competitive world of cable news? CNN will soon find out.
The new weekly one-hour program will debut Wednesday, November 29, at 10 p.m., and will be co-anchored by the unlikely duo of Gayle King, who still has her long-running day job at rival CBS News, and Charles Barkley, the outspoken sportscaster who remains a key element in the NBA coverage provided by CNN’s parent, Warner Bros. Discovery. CNN executives are counting on the pair to have freewheeling conversations about the biggest stories in the news cycle. “King Charles” is viewed as a limited-run series that will last at least through the first quarter of next year.
“‘King Charles’ is different than anything we have on CNN’s lineup,” says Amy Entelis, CNN’s executive vice president for talent and content development, in responses to questions provided by email. “It’s not a newscast,...
The new weekly one-hour program will debut Wednesday, November 29, at 10 p.m., and will be co-anchored by the unlikely duo of Gayle King, who still has her long-running day job at rival CBS News, and Charles Barkley, the outspoken sportscaster who remains a key element in the NBA coverage provided by CNN’s parent, Warner Bros. Discovery. CNN executives are counting on the pair to have freewheeling conversations about the biggest stories in the news cycle. “King Charles” is viewed as a limited-run series that will last at least through the first quarter of next year.
“‘King Charles’ is different than anything we have on CNN’s lineup,” says Amy Entelis, CNN’s executive vice president for talent and content development, in responses to questions provided by email. “It’s not a newscast,...
- 11/20/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
In Mark Thompson, Warner Bros. Discovery probably hired the perfect person to save CNN. But even the former president and CEO of the New York Times will have his hands full with this one: In 2023, CNN is so far behind its cable news competition.
In primetime, the most important part of the day for advertising, Nielsen ranks CNN third of three in overall viewers and the key 25-54 demographic. In total viewers, it’s not even close: CNN has less than half MSNBC (1.226 million) and less than a third of Fox News Channel’s league-leading haul (1.862 million).
CNN tightens the ranks a bit across the entire day’s programming, but it is still (un)comfortably in last place among total viewers. In the key news demo, MSNBC settles for bronze — a mere 6,000 viewers behind CNN.
Fox’s giant 2023 declines are generally on par with — or even harsher than — CNN’s,...
In primetime, the most important part of the day for advertising, Nielsen ranks CNN third of three in overall viewers and the key 25-54 demographic. In total viewers, it’s not even close: CNN has less than half MSNBC (1.226 million) and less than a third of Fox News Channel’s league-leading haul (1.862 million).
CNN tightens the ranks a bit across the entire day’s programming, but it is still (un)comfortably in last place among total viewers. In the key news demo, MSNBC settles for bronze — a mere 6,000 viewers behind CNN.
Fox’s giant 2023 declines are generally on par with — or even harsher than — CNN’s,...
- 8/30/2023
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Newly announced CNN CEO Mark Thompson acknowledged that TV journalism is in “peak disruption” in his first note to the staff, but stressed his aim to not only survive but thrive in this new era as he takes the reins of the cable network.
“We face pressure from every direction – structural, political, cultural, you name it,” the former New York Times Company CEO said. “Like many other media organizations, CNN has recently felt some of the uncertainty and heartache that comes with all of that.”
Thompson stressed that, given his experience, he’s keen on not only getting CNN through this particularly rough media patch, but coming out ahead.
“There’s no magic wand that I or anyone else can wield to make this disruption go away,” he continued. “But what I can say is that where others see threat, I see opportunity – especially given CNN’s great brand and the strength of its journalism.
“We face pressure from every direction – structural, political, cultural, you name it,” the former New York Times Company CEO said. “Like many other media organizations, CNN has recently felt some of the uncertainty and heartache that comes with all of that.”
Thompson stressed that, given his experience, he’s keen on not only getting CNN through this particularly rough media patch, but coming out ahead.
“There’s no magic wand that I or anyone else can wield to make this disruption go away,” he continued. “But what I can say is that where others see threat, I see opportunity – especially given CNN’s great brand and the strength of its journalism.
- 8/30/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
CNN has a new chief executive to replace the short-tenured Chris Licht, as Warner Bros. Discovery announced Wednesday that former New York Times and BBC boss Mark Thompson will take over as chairman and CEO of CNN.
Thompson, rumored for several days to be the top choice for the job, will report directly to Wbd CEO David Zaslav, effective immediately. Thompson now assumes the unenviable job of righting things at the network after the tumultuous tenure of his predecessor, who was fired in early June.
“There isn’t a more experienced, respected or capable executive in the news business today than Mark, and we are thrilled to have him join our team and lead CNN Worldwide into the future,” Zaslav said in a statement from Wbd. “Mark is a true innovator who has transformed for the digital age two of the world’s most respected news organizations. His strategic vision,...
Thompson, rumored for several days to be the top choice for the job, will report directly to Wbd CEO David Zaslav, effective immediately. Thompson now assumes the unenviable job of righting things at the network after the tumultuous tenure of his predecessor, who was fired in early June.
“There isn’t a more experienced, respected or capable executive in the news business today than Mark, and we are thrilled to have him join our team and lead CNN Worldwide into the future,” Zaslav said in a statement from Wbd. “Mark is a true innovator who has transformed for the digital age two of the world’s most respected news organizations. His strategic vision,...
- 8/30/2023
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
It’s official: Mark Thompson will be the new leader of CNN.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav formally announced Thompson’s hiring Wednesday, naming him chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide, beginning Oct. 9. Thompson will oversee CNN’s business, strategy and operations, and will also “act as editor-in-chief, ultimately responsible for all CNN content,” per the company.
“There isn’t a more experienced, respected or capable executive in the news business today than Mark, and we are thrilled to have him join our team and lead CNN Worldwide into the future,” said Zaslav. “Mark is a true innovator who has transformed for the digital age two of the world’s most respected news organizations. His strategic vision, track record in transformational leadership and sheer passion for news make him a formidable force for CNN and journalism at this pivotal time.”
Added Thompson, “I couldn’t be more excited about...
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav formally announced Thompson’s hiring Wednesday, naming him chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide, beginning Oct. 9. Thompson will oversee CNN’s business, strategy and operations, and will also “act as editor-in-chief, ultimately responsible for all CNN content,” per the company.
“There isn’t a more experienced, respected or capable executive in the news business today than Mark, and we are thrilled to have him join our team and lead CNN Worldwide into the future,” said Zaslav. “Mark is a true innovator who has transformed for the digital age two of the world’s most respected news organizations. His strategic vision, track record in transformational leadership and sheer passion for news make him a formidable force for CNN and journalism at this pivotal time.”
Added Thompson, “I couldn’t be more excited about...
- 8/30/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Update: Warner Bros. Discovery made it official on Wednesday: Mark Thompson will become chairman and CEO of CNN.
Thompson will take the role on Oct. 9.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav called Thompson a “true innovator who has transformed for the digital age two of the world’s most respected news organizations,” referring to his prior tenure as CEO of The New York Times Co. and as director general of the BBC. Thompson’s selection is a contrast to that of Chris Licht, who was ousted from his role in June, in that he has led global news organizations.
Thompson will report to Zaslav. A leadership team that has been in place since Licht’s departure will continue in their roles, reporting to Thompson, according to Warner Bros. Discovery. They include Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent and content development; David Leavy, chief operating officer; Virginia Moseley, executive vice president of editorial,...
Thompson will take the role on Oct. 9.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav called Thompson a “true innovator who has transformed for the digital age two of the world’s most respected news organizations,” referring to his prior tenure as CEO of The New York Times Co. and as director general of the BBC. Thompson’s selection is a contrast to that of Chris Licht, who was ousted from his role in June, in that he has led global news organizations.
Thompson will report to Zaslav. A leadership team that has been in place since Licht’s departure will continue in their roles, reporting to Thompson, according to Warner Bros. Discovery. They include Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent and content development; David Leavy, chief operating officer; Virginia Moseley, executive vice president of editorial,...
- 8/30/2023
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
CNN has yet another new top executive.
Warner Bros. Discovery on Wednesday named Mark Thompson, the former New York Times Co. and BBC leader who has demonstrated a knack for guiding media into digital realms, as the latest executive to oversee CNN, putting in place the fifth command structure around the news giant since early 2022. He will report to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav and start October 9.
Thompson’s name surfaced just a few days ago as someone who might be “in the mix” to run CNN, which has been under the aegis of four senior executives since the June ouster of Chris Licht, a popular TV producer whose tenure at the network was marred by a series of personnel moves that failed to gain ratings traction. His arrival is surprising to many insiders who believed CNN’s parent company was willing to let a quartet of senior executives — Amy Entelis,...
Warner Bros. Discovery on Wednesday named Mark Thompson, the former New York Times Co. and BBC leader who has demonstrated a knack for guiding media into digital realms, as the latest executive to oversee CNN, putting in place the fifth command structure around the news giant since early 2022. He will report to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav and start October 9.
Thompson’s name surfaced just a few days ago as someone who might be “in the mix” to run CNN, which has been under the aegis of four senior executives since the June ouster of Chris Licht, a popular TV producer whose tenure at the network was marred by a series of personnel moves that failed to gain ratings traction. His arrival is surprising to many insiders who believed CNN’s parent company was willing to let a quartet of senior executives — Amy Entelis,...
- 8/30/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
CNN has found its next CEO.
Mark Thompson, the former chief executive of The New York Times, is expected to take over Warner Bros. Discovery’s cable news business, someone familiar with the matter confirms.
Wbd is expected to make his hire official this week. A spokesperson for Wbd had not responded to a request for comment as of writing.
Thompson helped turn around the Times during a critical juncture for that storied news brand when he took over in 2012, helping it adapt to a rapidly changing digital media environment. He stepped down from his role at the Times in 2020, with Meredith Kopit Levien succeeding him.
But he is a TV executive by trade, having previously served as the director general of the BBC, and before that the chief executive of Channel 4 in the U.K.
The CNN job will test both skillsets, as Wbd seeks to bring the...
Mark Thompson, the former chief executive of The New York Times, is expected to take over Warner Bros. Discovery’s cable news business, someone familiar with the matter confirms.
Wbd is expected to make his hire official this week. A spokesperson for Wbd had not responded to a request for comment as of writing.
Thompson helped turn around the Times during a critical juncture for that storied news brand when he took over in 2012, helping it adapt to a rapidly changing digital media environment. He stepped down from his role at the Times in 2020, with Meredith Kopit Levien succeeding him.
But he is a TV executive by trade, having previously served as the director general of the BBC, and before that the chief executive of Channel 4 in the U.K.
The CNN job will test both skillsets, as Wbd seeks to bring the...
- 8/30/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After a week of rumors and speculation, Mark Thompson will be named CNN’s new CEO. The former director-general of the BBC and CEO of the New York Times will lead the news organization following the firing of former CNN CEO Chris Licht in June 2023, according to multiple media reports.
The possibility was first reported Aug. 24. The network, which has been led by a combination of CNN executives, has struggled against changes in cable news. Warner Bros. Discovery representatives didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from TheWrap.
Thompson began his career at the BBC in 1979 as a production trainee and climbed the ranks at the news organization over the years until 2012 when he was named the president and CEO of The New York Times.
His impact at the Times was enormous. Thompson was at the helm as the paper transitioned from a print-first advertising-focused structure to a digital-first subscription model.
The possibility was first reported Aug. 24. The network, which has been led by a combination of CNN executives, has struggled against changes in cable news. Warner Bros. Discovery representatives didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from TheWrap.
Thompson began his career at the BBC in 1979 as a production trainee and climbed the ranks at the news organization over the years until 2012 when he was named the president and CEO of The New York Times.
His impact at the Times was enormous. Thompson was at the helm as the paper transitioned from a print-first advertising-focused structure to a digital-first subscription model.
- 8/30/2023
- by Stephanie Kaloi
- The Wrap
Mark Thompson, the former New York Times and BBC chief, is reportedly a leading candidate to assume the top role at CNN, according to a Thursday Semafor report.
Thompson is in the mix for the top CNN job after the firing of Chris Licht in June. Since the ouster, the network has been led by veteran CNN executives, as it continues to struggle against the changing tides of the cable news environment.
A spokesperson for Warner Bros. Discovery declined to comment.
Thompson’s tenure at the New York Times was defined by his efforts to move the newspaper toward digital products, which allowed the Times to become a legitimate competition within digital news. Thompson left the Times in 2020 after eight years with the publication.
Thompson had a storied TV news career, starting as a producer in the 1980s, where he led top U.K. news shows. Thompson held top programming roles at the BBC,...
Thompson is in the mix for the top CNN job after the firing of Chris Licht in June. Since the ouster, the network has been led by veteran CNN executives, as it continues to struggle against the changing tides of the cable news environment.
A spokesperson for Warner Bros. Discovery declined to comment.
Thompson’s tenure at the New York Times was defined by his efforts to move the newspaper toward digital products, which allowed the Times to become a legitimate competition within digital news. Thompson left the Times in 2020 after eight years with the publication.
Thompson had a storied TV news career, starting as a producer in the 1980s, where he led top U.K. news shows. Thompson held top programming roles at the BBC,...
- 8/24/2023
- by Natalie Korach
- The Wrap
CNN, whose brief foray into subscription streaming was snuffed out shortly after the close of the WarnerMedia-Discovery merger in April 2022, is officially getting real estate on Max.
A new offering, CNN Max, will be added to the streaming service in what Warner Bros. Discovery called an “open beta” on September 27. It will consist of a 24/7 stream pulled from the news network’s U.S. and international feeds, with a sprinkling of original fare, with user feedback welcomed. For many reasons, some having to do with contracts with pay-tv operators, it won’t be a full-over-the top version of linear CNN, and certain talent and new shows like the new 9 p.m. hour hosted by Kaitlan Collins will not be in the mix.
Wbd CEO David Zaslav hinted at the new venture during the company’s quarterly earnings call several weeks ago, saying news and sports make SVOD platforms “come alive.
A new offering, CNN Max, will be added to the streaming service in what Warner Bros. Discovery called an “open beta” on September 27. It will consist of a 24/7 stream pulled from the news network’s U.S. and international feeds, with a sprinkling of original fare, with user feedback welcomed. For many reasons, some having to do with contracts with pay-tv operators, it won’t be a full-over-the top version of linear CNN, and certain talent and new shows like the new 9 p.m. hour hosted by Kaitlan Collins will not be in the mix.
Wbd CEO David Zaslav hinted at the new venture during the company’s quarterly earnings call several weeks ago, saying news and sports make SVOD platforms “come alive.
- 8/24/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Warner Bros. Discovery is back in the hunt for a new executive to oversee CNN.
Mark Thompson, the former CEO of New York Times Co. and a former Director-General of the BBC is “in the mix” of potential candidates being considered by the media conglomerate, according to two people familiar with the matter. Warner Bros. Discovery is putting itself through a “thorough process,” according to one of these people, to find a new leader for its popular news outlet as it grapples with linear ratings shortfalls and attempts to make its way through the world of streaming.
CNN referred inquiries on the matter to Warner Bros. Discovery, which declined to make executives available for comment. Semafor previously reported that Thompson was on the company’s list of CNN candidates.
It it not clear if Thompson and the company are in active discussions about the role, or if he...
Mark Thompson, the former CEO of New York Times Co. and a former Director-General of the BBC is “in the mix” of potential candidates being considered by the media conglomerate, according to two people familiar with the matter. Warner Bros. Discovery is putting itself through a “thorough process,” according to one of these people, to find a new leader for its popular news outlet as it grapples with linear ratings shortfalls and attempts to make its way through the world of streaming.
CNN referred inquiries on the matter to Warner Bros. Discovery, which declined to make executives available for comment. Semafor previously reported that Thompson was on the company’s list of CNN candidates.
It it not clear if Thompson and the company are in active discussions about the role, or if he...
- 8/24/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
In a dramatic overhaul of its programming schedule, CNN has announced new programs and anchors spanning weekday mornings, dayside and primetime, as well as new weekend programs led by veterans of the channel.
The new lineup will see CNN hand the 10 p.m. hour over to political correspondent and anchor Abby Phillip, with 11 p.m. being hosted by legal analyst and anchor Laura Coates.
In the mornings, Kasie Hunt will anchor Early Start, while chief White House correspondent Phil Mattingly joins Poppy Harlow as the co-anchor of CNN This Morning. Chief investigative correspondent Pamela Brown will anchor a new dayside show out of the nation’s capital.
On the weekends, Victor Blackwell, Christiane Amanpour, Manu Raju and Chris Wallace will all host new programs, with Blackwell based in Atlanta, and Raju taking over the Sunday’s Inside Politics while continuing to cover Capitol Hill.
Wallace will host a panel show...
The new lineup will see CNN hand the 10 p.m. hour over to political correspondent and anchor Abby Phillip, with 11 p.m. being hosted by legal analyst and anchor Laura Coates.
In the mornings, Kasie Hunt will anchor Early Start, while chief White House correspondent Phil Mattingly joins Poppy Harlow as the co-anchor of CNN This Morning. Chief investigative correspondent Pamela Brown will anchor a new dayside show out of the nation’s capital.
On the weekends, Victor Blackwell, Christiane Amanpour, Manu Raju and Chris Wallace will all host new programs, with Blackwell based in Atlanta, and Raju taking over the Sunday’s Inside Politics while continuing to cover Capitol Hill.
Wallace will host a panel show...
- 8/14/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
CNN unveiled an overhaul of its lineup, with Abby Phillip getting the 10 p.m. Et primetime slot, while Phil Mattingly will co-anchor CNN This Morning along with Poppy Harlow, and Kasie Hunt will helm Early Start.
Other changes: Laura Coates will anchor a new 11 p.m. Et show out of Washington, while Pamela Brown will anchor a 3 p.m. Et weekday show, The Bulletin with Pamela Brown.
On the weekends, Victor Blackwell, Chris Wallace and Christiane Amanpour will host new Saturday morning shows, while Manu Raju will take over the anchor chores on Inside Politics on Sunday morning.
Wallace, who has been hosting the interview show Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace? for HBO Max and CNN, will feature a “provocative panel of some of the country’s best reporters and influential commentators” to analyze the latest news and the 2024 presidential race. Amanpour’s show will focus on international developments.
Other changes: Laura Coates will anchor a new 11 p.m. Et show out of Washington, while Pamela Brown will anchor a 3 p.m. Et weekday show, The Bulletin with Pamela Brown.
On the weekends, Victor Blackwell, Chris Wallace and Christiane Amanpour will host new Saturday morning shows, while Manu Raju will take over the anchor chores on Inside Politics on Sunday morning.
Wallace, who has been hosting the interview show Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace? for HBO Max and CNN, will feature a “provocative panel of some of the country’s best reporters and influential commentators” to analyze the latest news and the 2024 presidential race. Amanpour’s show will focus on international developments.
- 8/14/2023
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
CNN has hired Kayla Tausche as its new senior White House correspondent.
Tausche joins CNN from CNBC, where she most recently worked as an anchor and senior White House correspondent. Tausche, who co-anchored CNBC’s 2020 election coverage, previously served as the anchor of the channel’s Squawk Alley. She joined CNBC in 2011.
At CNN she will continue to cover the Biden administration, with CNN touting her background in technology, economic and foreign policy coverage as a boon as she covers the 2024 election. Her first day at CNN is Monday.
Tausche is one of the first major hires at CNN since its CEO Chris Licht departed in June, leaving Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling and David Leavy in charge of the day to day operations. CNN has a large WHite House team, with Phil Mattingly working as chief White House correspondent, Mj Lee as senior White House correspondent, and a...
Tausche joins CNN from CNBC, where she most recently worked as an anchor and senior White House correspondent. Tausche, who co-anchored CNBC’s 2020 election coverage, previously served as the anchor of the channel’s Squawk Alley. She joined CNBC in 2011.
At CNN she will continue to cover the Biden administration, with CNN touting her background in technology, economic and foreign policy coverage as a boon as she covers the 2024 election. Her first day at CNN is Monday.
Tausche is one of the first major hires at CNN since its CEO Chris Licht departed in June, leaving Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling and David Leavy in charge of the day to day operations. CNN has a large WHite House team, with Phil Mattingly working as chief White House correspondent, Mj Lee as senior White House correspondent, and a...
- 7/24/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
One notable thing about the headlines coming out of CNN in recent weeks is something they don’t include: news about CNN itself.
Since the exit of former chief Chris Licht in June after a tenure marked by tumult and unwanted publicity, the gossip mill around the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed news outlet has ceased its once-dependable roar. There are no leaks about what happened at CNN’s morning editorial meeting, or chatter about how current leaders Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley and Eric Sherling talk (or don’t) to the staff. There is even less hubbub about David Leavy, the longtime consigliere who was recently installed to oversee business affairs. and is a longtime consigliere to Warner Bros. Discovery honcho David Zaslav,
People familiar with the network say there is a sense of “relief” within its ranks. It won’t last for very long.
To be sure, CNN still has work to do.
Since the exit of former chief Chris Licht in June after a tenure marked by tumult and unwanted publicity, the gossip mill around the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed news outlet has ceased its once-dependable roar. There are no leaks about what happened at CNN’s morning editorial meeting, or chatter about how current leaders Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley and Eric Sherling talk (or don’t) to the staff. There is even less hubbub about David Leavy, the longtime consigliere who was recently installed to oversee business affairs. and is a longtime consigliere to Warner Bros. Discovery honcho David Zaslav,
People familiar with the network say there is a sense of “relief” within its ranks. It won’t last for very long.
To be sure, CNN still has work to do.
- 7/19/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
CNN’s Jake Tapper says the network’s “morale hasn’t been better in years,” in the aftermath of Chris Licht’s ouster.
Tapper joined Kara Swisher’s podcast to promote his new book “All the Demons Are Here” but ended up delving into the atmosphere at CNN in the post-Licht era.
Licht, who was chosen to assume the position of CEO and Chairman of CNN Worldwide by Warner Bros. Discovery chief David Zaslav himself, was ousted from the network last month. Succeeding former CEO Jeff Zucker, Licht’s tenure at the network was marred by controversy including a failed morning show overhaul, mass layoffs and a widely disputed town hall featuring former President Donald Trump.
Also Read:
Chris Licht Out at CNN Amid Trump Town Hall Fallout, Ratings Plunge and Staff Uproar
“I have known Chris for a long time,” said Tapper. CNN’s chief Washington correspondent said he...
Tapper joined Kara Swisher’s podcast to promote his new book “All the Demons Are Here” but ended up delving into the atmosphere at CNN in the post-Licht era.
Licht, who was chosen to assume the position of CEO and Chairman of CNN Worldwide by Warner Bros. Discovery chief David Zaslav himself, was ousted from the network last month. Succeeding former CEO Jeff Zucker, Licht’s tenure at the network was marred by controversy including a failed morning show overhaul, mass layoffs and a widely disputed town hall featuring former President Donald Trump.
Also Read:
Chris Licht Out at CNN Amid Trump Town Hall Fallout, Ratings Plunge and Staff Uproar
“I have known Chris for a long time,” said Tapper. CNN’s chief Washington correspondent said he...
- 7/10/2023
- by Natalie Korach
- The Wrap
CNN is not for sale, David Zaslav has insisted.
But analysts warn that the CEO of debt-laden Warner Bros. Discovery may not have much choice but to try to sell the asset, however attached to the network he may be. The real question: How hard will it be to get a deal?
The obstacles to a CNN sale are many, from likely regulatory and political blowback, to the most likely buyers facing their own financial challenges — along with the likelihood that Zaslav won’t get the number he needs to make the sale. Yet speculation about a sale seems only to be heating up as the annual Allen & Company conference in Sun Valley approaches next week, a hotbed of media dealmaking.
“Looking at [Warner Bros. Discovery’s] portfolio, CNN seems like the most noncore asset — and if a company is looking to pay down debt that’s where it often looks first for a sale,...
But analysts warn that the CEO of debt-laden Warner Bros. Discovery may not have much choice but to try to sell the asset, however attached to the network he may be. The real question: How hard will it be to get a deal?
The obstacles to a CNN sale are many, from likely regulatory and political blowback, to the most likely buyers facing their own financial challenges — along with the likelihood that Zaslav won’t get the number he needs to make the sale. Yet speculation about a sale seems only to be heating up as the annual Allen & Company conference in Sun Valley approaches next week, a hotbed of media dealmaking.
“Looking at [Warner Bros. Discovery’s] portfolio, CNN seems like the most noncore asset — and if a company is looking to pay down debt that’s where it often looks first for a sale,...
- 7/6/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
On June 7, at roughly 9 a.m., the media parlor game shifted abruptly from how long CNN chief executive Chris Licht would remain in the job to who would replace him.
Licht, whose turbulent tenure lasted just 13 months, had met his demise after a blistering 15,000-world profile appeared in The Atlantic. His boss, David Zaslav, who was described in the piece as the only person who could (and regularly would) interrupt Licht’s early morning workouts with 6:30 a.m. calls, has installed an interim executive leadership team: David Leavy, Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling and internal frontrunner Amy Entelis. Multiple sources, inside Warner Bros. Discovery and out, say Zaslav will run a formal search, something he didn’t do when he hired Licht, because he can’t afford to make the same mistake twice. All seem to agree the job is twofold: The new leader will need to not only manage...
Licht, whose turbulent tenure lasted just 13 months, had met his demise after a blistering 15,000-world profile appeared in The Atlantic. His boss, David Zaslav, who was described in the piece as the only person who could (and regularly would) interrupt Licht’s early morning workouts with 6:30 a.m. calls, has installed an interim executive leadership team: David Leavy, Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling and internal frontrunner Amy Entelis. Multiple sources, inside Warner Bros. Discovery and out, say Zaslav will run a formal search, something he didn’t do when he hired Licht, because he can’t afford to make the same mistake twice. All seem to agree the job is twofold: The new leader will need to not only manage...
- 6/21/2023
- by Lacey Rose, Kim Masters and Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
CNN has set a premiere date for its next original series: See It Loud: The History of Black Television.
The five-episode docuseries — which is produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter through their SpringHill Company — will debut Sunday, July 9 at 9 Pm.
The series explores the impact of Black television on popular culture, from The Jeffersons and Roots to the cultural impact of reality and unscripted TV. “Today we are in the midst of what is being widely referred to as ‘The Golden Age of Black Television;’ however, this ‘Golden Age’ is the culmination of an eighty-year struggle for Black artists to find a voice and fight for representation,” the logline reads.
The series includes interviews with people like Deon Cole, Desus & Mero, Gabrielle Union, Jimmie Walker, Judge Greg Mathis, Kevin Frazier, Ruben Studdard, Sherri Shepherd, Sonequa Martin-Green, Tatyana Ali, Tiffany Pollard, Tisha Campbell, Vivica A. Fox, and others.
The series...
The five-episode docuseries — which is produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter through their SpringHill Company — will debut Sunday, July 9 at 9 Pm.
The series explores the impact of Black television on popular culture, from The Jeffersons and Roots to the cultural impact of reality and unscripted TV. “Today we are in the midst of what is being widely referred to as ‘The Golden Age of Black Television;’ however, this ‘Golden Age’ is the culmination of an eighty-year struggle for Black artists to find a voice and fight for representation,” the logline reads.
The series includes interviews with people like Deon Cole, Desus & Mero, Gabrielle Union, Jimmie Walker, Judge Greg Mathis, Kevin Frazier, Ruben Studdard, Sherri Shepherd, Sonequa Martin-Green, Tatyana Ali, Tiffany Pollard, Tisha Campbell, Vivica A. Fox, and others.
The series...
- 6/19/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Morning Joe” host Joe Scarborough came to the defense of former CNN CEO Chris Licht once again on Friday, taking direct aim at – according to Scarborough – allowing the infamous The Atlantic article about Licht to dictate the decision to fire Licht.
“Let me just say this about my friend Chris Licht at CNN,” Scarborough began. “Chris made mistakes, right? He made mistakes and as I said, he learned from mistakes. Zaslav decided to fire him or to let him go. That’s Zaslav’s decision. Let me just tell you, though: let’s take Chris and Zas out of this. If I were a CEO, I would die before I let a magazine article determine who I was going to hire or fire. I would call him in and say ‘You screwed up, shut your mouth, keep your head down, do the job I hired you for, and we’re...
“Let me just say this about my friend Chris Licht at CNN,” Scarborough began. “Chris made mistakes, right? He made mistakes and as I said, he learned from mistakes. Zaslav decided to fire him or to let him go. That’s Zaslav’s decision. Let me just tell you, though: let’s take Chris and Zas out of this. If I were a CEO, I would die before I let a magazine article determine who I was going to hire or fire. I would call him in and say ‘You screwed up, shut your mouth, keep your head down, do the job I hired you for, and we’re...
- 6/17/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
In early summer, the still-slim Oscar conversation around documentary contenders got an unexpected bump: from an Emmy contender.
When the team behind AppleTV+’s “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie” realized that the field of Oscar contenders was thinner than usual, the Davis Guggenheim-directed doc entered the fray. Right now, the film about the hugely popular TV and film star fighting off the vicissitudes of Parkinson’s and reflecting on his past looks good not only for an Emmy nomination, but Oscar rules make it possible to double dip and also pick up an Oscar nod.
But it doesn’t work the other way. Only if a movie does not land an Oscar nomination can it then submit for the Emmy race, as Brett Morgen’s “Jane” did in 2017. But given the weak Oscar competition this year, “Still,” with superb reviews for its innovative filmmaking — which elevates it beyond...
When the team behind AppleTV+’s “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie” realized that the field of Oscar contenders was thinner than usual, the Davis Guggenheim-directed doc entered the fray. Right now, the film about the hugely popular TV and film star fighting off the vicissitudes of Parkinson’s and reflecting on his past looks good not only for an Emmy nomination, but Oscar rules make it possible to double dip and also pick up an Oscar nod.
But it doesn’t work the other way. Only if a movie does not land an Oscar nomination can it then submit for the Emmy race, as Brett Morgen’s “Jane” did in 2017. But given the weak Oscar competition this year, “Still,” with superb reviews for its innovative filmmaking — which elevates it beyond...
- 6/14/2023
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
One of the most influential and alluring jobs in journalism just opened. Now the company trying to fill the position is waiting to see if anyone really wants it.
Warner Bros. Discovery is expected to move deliberately rather than quickly in its search for a new CEO for CNN. Executives are telling staffers and TV agents that it will likely take a few months to fill the role that Chris Licht held for one turbulent year. Licht, the TV news veteran and “Late Show With Stephen Colbert” showrunner, was ousted last week after spearheading a series of programming moves and talent decisions that kept headlines about CNN circulating more often than anything else produced by the newsroom. Licht’s final error was taking part in a profile The Atlantic published June 2 — 15,000 words detailing a “Meltdown at CNN.” Numerous statements from Licht in the story and his questionable judgment in allowing...
Warner Bros. Discovery is expected to move deliberately rather than quickly in its search for a new CEO for CNN. Executives are telling staffers and TV agents that it will likely take a few months to fill the role that Chris Licht held for one turbulent year. Licht, the TV news veteran and “Late Show With Stephen Colbert” showrunner, was ousted last week after spearheading a series of programming moves and talent decisions that kept headlines about CNN circulating more often than anything else produced by the newsroom. Licht’s final error was taking part in a profile The Atlantic published June 2 — 15,000 words detailing a “Meltdown at CNN.” Numerous statements from Licht in the story and his questionable judgment in allowing...
- 6/14/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Chris Licht has left the building that houses CNN’s New York headquarters, but the things he did while he was there are likely to last a little longer.
Executives at the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed news outlet intend to follow the programming strategy Licht approved during his 13 months at the operation, according to three people familiar with the matter.
Yes, Kaitlan Collins will lead CNN’s 9 p.m. hour. Dana Bash is still scheduled to take over the noontime program “Inside Politics.” Poppy Harlow will remain at the helm of CNN’s new morning show, paired with someone new (Phil Mattingly and Sara Sidner have made frequent appearances in recent weeks). And “News Central,” the CNN daytime show that aims to lend the tension of breaking news to the usual proceedings, is backed by much of the staff, these people said.
CNN declined to make executives available for comment.
Executives at the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed news outlet intend to follow the programming strategy Licht approved during his 13 months at the operation, according to three people familiar with the matter.
Yes, Kaitlan Collins will lead CNN’s 9 p.m. hour. Dana Bash is still scheduled to take over the noontime program “Inside Politics.” Poppy Harlow will remain at the helm of CNN’s new morning show, paired with someone new (Phil Mattingly and Sara Sidner have made frequent appearances in recent weeks). And “News Central,” the CNN daytime show that aims to lend the tension of breaking news to the usual proceedings, is backed by much of the staff, these people said.
CNN declined to make executives available for comment.
- 6/8/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Bryan Cranston says he will retire from acting in 2026.
The “Breaking Bad” Emmy winner will be 70 years old at that time, and speaking with British GQ in an interview published Thursday, he explains that even if it’s a temporary break from the industry, he wants to move to a foreign village and lead a quieter life of cooking and gardening with his wife Robin Dearden.
“For the last 24 years, Robin has led her life holding onto my tail. She’s been the plus one, she’s been the wife of a celebrity. She’s had to pivot and adjust her life based on mine. She has tremendous benefit from it, but we’re uneven. I want to level that out. She deserves it,” Cranston said.
Sharing that they’ll probably set their sights on France, shut down his production company and sell his half of Dos Hombres, the mezcal...
The “Breaking Bad” Emmy winner will be 70 years old at that time, and speaking with British GQ in an interview published Thursday, he explains that even if it’s a temporary break from the industry, he wants to move to a foreign village and lead a quieter life of cooking and gardening with his wife Robin Dearden.
“For the last 24 years, Robin has led her life holding onto my tail. She’s been the plus one, she’s been the wife of a celebrity. She’s had to pivot and adjust her life based on mine. She has tremendous benefit from it, but we’re uneven. I want to level that out. She deserves it,” Cranston said.
Sharing that they’ll probably set their sights on France, shut down his production company and sell his half of Dos Hombres, the mezcal...
- 6/8/2023
- by Benjamin Lindsay
- The Wrap
The group of executives who are leading CNN on an interim basis made their first comments to staffers on Thursday, vowing to make “this period as smooth as possible.”
The memo was sent out a day after Chris Licht exited as chairman and CEO, following a tumultuous, 13-month tenure. Three executives, Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent and content development; Eric Sherling, EVP of U.S. programming; and Virginia Moseley, EVP of editorial, are serving as the acting leadership team in the interim. They are joined by David Leavy, a top lieutenant to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, who was previously announced as CNN’s COO.
“Now it’s the time for us as the leadership of CNN to meet the moment, as you have done time and time again,” the four executives wrote in the memo. “As we jump in to lead the organization on an interim basis,...
The memo was sent out a day after Chris Licht exited as chairman and CEO, following a tumultuous, 13-month tenure. Three executives, Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent and content development; Eric Sherling, EVP of U.S. programming; and Virginia Moseley, EVP of editorial, are serving as the acting leadership team in the interim. They are joined by David Leavy, a top lieutenant to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, who was previously announced as CNN’s COO.
“Now it’s the time for us as the leadership of CNN to meet the moment, as you have done time and time again,” the four executives wrote in the memo. “As we jump in to lead the organization on an interim basis,...
- 6/8/2023
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
The revolving door of CNN leaders continues. As of Wednesday, Chris Licht was officially out as the CEO and chairman of the news network and four executive vice presidents are overseeing CNN in the interim: Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling and David Leavy. But according to insiders who spoke with TheWrap, Entelis has emerged as the top candidate for the chief executive job.
Licht’s time as CEO was short and controversial. He lasted a little more than a year after taking the job from Jeff Zucker, who held it for nearly a decade before being ousted due to his relationship with executive Allison Gollust. Handpicked by Warner Bros. Discovery chief David Zaslav, Licht was responsible for the heavily criticized Donald Trump town hall and was at the center of a scathing profile in The Atlantic.
As CNN searches for its next network leader, four CNN heads will be...
Licht’s time as CEO was short and controversial. He lasted a little more than a year after taking the job from Jeff Zucker, who held it for nearly a decade before being ousted due to his relationship with executive Allison Gollust. Handpicked by Warner Bros. Discovery chief David Zaslav, Licht was responsible for the heavily criticized Donald Trump town hall and was at the center of a scathing profile in The Atlantic.
As CNN searches for its next network leader, four CNN heads will be...
- 6/8/2023
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
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