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☆ Behind the Warner Bros. Discovery-Paramount deal that never was
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Peter Kafka | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Zaslav wanted a deal to happen. The problem, per Paramount: Zaslav didn't want to write a big check to Paramount owner Shari Redstone. What wasn't well-known: Zaslav spent months hanging around the basket, hoping that he could somehow land a Paramount deal. AdvertisementA week later, Paramount says, Zaslav talked to Bakish and told him he'd still love to make a deal. AdvertisementSo here we are today, nearly a year after WBD and Paramount first discussed a deal.

Persons: David Ellison, Larry Ellison's, David Zaslav, Zaslav, Shari Redstone, —, Ellison, Larry, I've, WBD, Per, Bob Bakish, Bakish, he'd, Shari Redstone's, Paramount's Organizations: Paramount, Warner Bros ., SEC, Service, ers, Warner Bros Locations: writedowns, Zaslav

☆ Why Wall Street is skeptical about Comcast's proposal to ditch its cable networks and pair Peacock with a competitor
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-01 | by ( James Faris | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Comcast's Mike Cavanagh said the company will explore ditching its cable networks. AdvertisementComcast said this week it might separate from its cable networks and marry off its streaming service. Mike Cavanagh, Comcast's president, floated the idea Thursday of spinning out cable networks like CNBC and MSNBC into a new firm while holding on to NBC. Several industry analysts said that Comcast could increase its valuation by divorcing itself from its declining cable networks, as it would help emphasize its burgeoning streaming business. "The cable networks likely have little value on their own.

Persons: Comcast's Mike Cavanagh, Peacock, —, Mike Cavanagh, Cavanagh, Jessica Reif Ehrlich, isn't, John Hodulik, Craig Moffett, Moffett, Insider's Peter Kafka, Michael Hodel, Tim Nollen, Rich Greenfield, Greenfield, it's, David Zaslav, WBD, NBCU, Brandon Katz, Max, Katz Organizations: Wall Street, Service, Comcast, CNBC, MSNBC, NBC, Disney, ABC, Bank of America, Warner Bros, UBS, Morningstar, Lightshed Partners, Starz, WBD's, NBA, Paramount, Max Locations: MoffettNathanson, USA

☆ How David Zaslav can save Warner Bros. Discovery as the cable bundle collapses, according to a top media analyst
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-14 | by ( James Faris | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

AdvertisementThose moves show just how rapidly the cable TV business is unraveling. WBD's direct-to-consumer segment still loses money, and its streaming revenue actually declined 6% from last year — even though Max added 3.7 million subscribers. WBD added 3.9 million streaming subscribers abroad last quarter, thanks to its rollout across Europe ahead of the Olympics, which the company broadcasts outside the US. If that service attracts enough cord-cutters, it could help stop the bleeding in WBD's fast-declining pay TV business in a best-case scenario. Join forces with other media firmsAdvertisementAlthough WBD is struggling as the pay-TV business shrinks, the silver lining is that it's not alone.

Persons: —, David Zaslav, Patience, WBD wasn't, Max, Fox —, Tim Nollen, WBD, Nollen, Venu, NBA would've, it's Organizations: Service, Warner Bros, Business, Paramount, Macquarie Research, Disney, NBA, Comcast's NBC, MLB, NHL, TNT, TBS, Max, Hulu Locations: WBD, Europe, Latin America

☆ Pressure mounting on Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav to deliver value for shareholders
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-08 | by ( Alex Sherman | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Discovery CEO David Zaslav needs a win. Since merging Discovery with WarnerMedia in 2022 and immediately slashing billions in costs, Zaslav has struggled to convince shareholders that his company is a worthy investment. Warner Bros. Discovery shares have fallen about 70% since April 8, 2022, the day the merger closed. Making matters worse for him, Zaslav has long been one of the highest paid CEOs in the country.

Persons: David Zaslav, Zaslav, Chris Licht, John Malone, That's, WarnerMedia, Robert Fishman Organizations: Warner Bros, Discovery, CNN, Boston, NBA, Warner Bros . Discovery Locations: U.S

☆ Warner Bros. Discovery is counting on deregulation to unlock media deals — if there's even appetite
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-26 | by ( Alex Sherman | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +10 min

If you ask Zaslav, though, the reason Roberts and other potential buyers of media assets aren't interested is because the government has scared them away. Or, perhaps, legacy media companies are simply undesirable assets to own. He extended the life of his previous company, Discovery Communications — and probably his own tenure running a media company — by merging it with AT&T's WarnerMedia in 2022. Without a deal, Discovery would have wallowed as a subscale content provider and owner of declining cable networks. Discovery with another legacy media company, such as Paramount Global , Fox or Disney , or NBCUniversal, if it were spun off from Comcast.

Persons: David Zaslav, David Grogan, Brian Roberts, " Roberts, Comcast's, Roberts, Zaslav, Shari Redstone, Rob Kindler, Paul, Weiss, they've, Kindler, haven't, Morgan Stanley's, Donald Trump's, There's, Joe Biden's, Simon, Simon & Schuster, JD Vance, Lina Khan's, Lina Khan, Biden, Vance, Kamala Harris Organizations: Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference, CNBC Comcast, Warner Bros, Discovery, Allen & Co, Sun, Paramount, Skydance Media, CNBC Redstone, Starz, AMC Networks, Vice Media, Discovery Communications, NBA, Apple, Paramount Global, Fox, Disney, Comcast, CNBC, Google, Scripps Networks Interactive, Time Warner, Scripps, Viacom, CBS, Sky, AMC, IFC, Sundance, Lionsgate, Media, Republican, Democratic, Donald Trump's Department of Justice, Simon &, Random, MGM, Federal Trade, & $ Locations: Sun Valley , Idaho, RemedyFest

☆ David Zaslav's Warner Bros. Discovery experiment has failed, Bank of America's top media analyst says. Here are the company's 3 best paths forward.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-17 | by ( James Faris | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Zaslav, the cable-executive-turned-mogul, orchestrated the tie-up between Warner Media and Discovery after running the latter for 15 years. "The current composition as a consolidated public company is not working," Ehrlich wrote in a July 16 note. AdvertisementZaslav should reexamine his strategy and look at options that would benefit his long-suffering stock, Ehrlich wrote. 3 best blueprints for a WBD turnaroundIn the note, BofA media analysts outlined several potential paths forward for Zaslav and the company. Advertisement"We have long discussed an impending 'rebundling' in media, as the current streaming market is oversaturated and ripe for consolidation," Ehrlich wrote.

Persons: —, it's, David Zaslav, hasn't, Jessica Reif Ehrlich, Ehrlich, BofA, Bob Iger, Fox Organizations: Service, Warner Bros, Warner Media, Discovery, Business, Bank of America's, NBC, Disney, ABC, CBS, Paramount, Skydance, Max Locations: Zaslav, Hollywood

☆ Warner Bros.' boss made bank last year, despite the Hollywood strikes
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-19 | by ( Grace Eliza Goodwin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Warner Bros. Zaslav's compensation increased despite actors' and writers' strikes, topping his 2022 earnings. Warner Bros. reported losses for the year despite Zaslav's increased compensation. The CEO of Warner Bros. Related storiesDespite both the actors' and writers' strikes that lasted nearly 4 and 5 months respectively, Zaslav's pay for the year went up.

Persons: David Zaslav, — Organizations: Warner Bros, Discovery Inc, Service, WarnerMedia, Street Journal

☆ It's a do-or-die moment for debt-riddled Warner Bros. Discovery's live-sports strategy as it vies for NBA rights
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-08 | by ( James Faris | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

WBD generated $6.2 billion of free cash flow through 2023 and likely shelled out around $1.4 billion of that for NBA games. Analysts estimate that figure would be closer to $2 billion if WBD re-ups its NBA package. WBD wants a big NBA deal, despite Wall Street's wishesSixteen months ago, Zaslav said WBD didn't "have to have" the NBA. NBA ratings have been lackluster lately, with national TV games averaging 1.6 million viewers in the last two seasons. Zaslav's latest public remarks on the NBA negotiations reflect that.

Persons: —, Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley, Tim Nollen, Max, Jason Bazinet, WBD, David Zaslav, it's, Jessica Reif Ehrlich, Wall, Zaslav, John Hodulik, Chuck, Ernie Johnson Organizations: Service, Basketball Hall of Famers, NBA, TNT, ESPN, Warner Bros, Business, Media, Amazon, NBC, Comcast, Apple, Netflix, WWE, Macquarie, Disney, Fox, Cable, Citigroup, Warners, of America, Street, Zaz, UBS Locations: Shaq

☆ New sports streaming bundle could be a 'monster' — or a dud. Here are the biggest remaining questions
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-07 | by ( Alex Sherman | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

The service will launch this fall and cater to sports fans who don't subscribe to the traditional cable bundle. One person associated with the launch of the new venture told CNBC the platform will be "a monster" and massively disrupt cable TV. Cable TV has been relegated to an add-on that helps keep people subscribing to high-speed internet. The cable bundle has largely survived because it still contains exclusive live news and sports. Previously, the only way for cord cutters to get ESPN outside the cable bundle would have been that coming service.

Persons: LeBron James, Jevone Moore, it's, Lachlan Murdoch, NBC's Peacock, Bob Iger, Rich Greenfield, Max, David Zaslav's, There's, David Zaslav, Lightshed's Rich Greenfield Organizations: Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, Los Angeles Clippers, Crypto.com Arena, Warner Bros . Discovery, Fox, Disney's ESPN, Comcast, DirecTV, CNBC, YouTube, Charter, Cable, Verizon, Mobile, Satellite, Google, Hulu, Live, Disney, Warner Bros, NBC, CBS, National Football League, Paramount, ESPN, Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, Wall Street, Financial Times, TNT, TBS, HGTV, Discovery, Paramount Global Locations: Los Angeles

☆ Warner Bros Discovery expects earnings hit of up to $500 million as strikes drag on
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-05 | by ( Lillian Rizzo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Warner Bros. Warner Bros. Warner Bros. Warner Bros. Discovery has been paying down the hefty debt load that stems from the 2022 merger of Warner Bros. and Discovery.

Persons: David Zaslav, Gunnar Wiedenfels, Goldman Sachs Organizations: Warner Bros, Discovery, Writers Guild of America, Technology

☆ How insiders are reacting to Mark Thompson, CNN's new CEO, and how they think he'll tackle the network's challenges: 'He wants to be involved in editorial'
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

WBD named Mark Thompson as CNN's new CEO in a shift by David Zaslav to an experienced news leader. Thompson is widely credited with turning the Times into a digital powerhouse, transforming a news organization that was teetering financially. Under Thompson, there also were flops along the way to success for the Times, like the failed NYT Now mobile app. Thompson is expected to be involved in editorialObservers and insiders expressed optimism about the Thompson news. They also will be watching to see how he will carry out WBD CEO David Zaslav's commitment to providing a wider range of political viewpoints, including conservative ones.

Persons: WBD, Mark Thompson, David Zaslav, Thompson, Chris Licht, Ken Doctor, Meredith Kopit Levien, who'd, Times —, Levien, Nate Silver, Jill Abramson, Abramson, wouldn't, Mark, Donald Trump, David Zaslav's, He'll, Jeff Zucker, I've, Zaslav, Licht, he'd, Semafor, James Harding, Andrew Ross Sorkin, he's, Jonathan Miller, Miller, Amy Entelis, David Leavy, Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling, who's, Leavy Organizations: CNN, New York Times, Warner Bros, Discovery, Max, longtime Times, Times, ESPN, ABC, Observers, BBC, Company, Integrated Media Co, Editorial Locations: British

☆ CNN names former New York Times CEO Mark Thompson as its chief
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Lillian Rizzo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

Mark Thompson is stepping in as the next CEO and chairman of CNN. Discovery CEO David Zaslav told staff in a note Wednesday. Before closing the deal, Zaslav had appointed Licht as CNN's CEO, who was previously the chief executive behind the "CBS This Morning" news program and "Morning Joe" on MSNBC. While network executives Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling and David Leavy led CNN since Licht left CNN, Warner Bros. Shortly, we will announce that highly respected news executive Mark Thompson will be joining our leadership team as Chairman and CEO, effective October 9, reporting directly to me.

Persons: Mark Thompson, Thompson, Chris Licht, Thompson's, David Zaslav, Jeff Zucker, –, Andrew Cuomo, Zucker's, Chris Cuomo, Zucker, Zaslav, Licht, Joe, network's, Donald Trump, Kaitlan Collins, Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling, David Leavy, Read, Mark, Amy, Eric, I've, David Read, you've, David Zaslav's, Wagner, you'll Organizations: CNN, Parent, Warner Bros, Discovery, The New York Times, BBC, Warner Bros . Discovery, Max, New York Gov, MSNBC, CNN Worldwide, Times, Tiananmen Locations: U.S, David, Virginia, London, Washington, DC

☆ CNN management focused on 'listening' and 'getting back to work' as the network moves on from Chris Licht
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-08 | by ( Trisha Gopal | Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

A trio of longtime executives have taken charge at CNN following the exit of Chris Licht. There's a moment in Tim Alberta's brutal profile of CNN's now-former CEO Chris Licht where Licht awkwardly takes a jab at his predecessor Jeff Zucker. The following Monday, as Licht attempted to quell growing calls for his ouster, Licht told CNN staff: "As I read that article, I found myself thinking, CNN is not about me. Jeff Zucker and Chris Licht at an event in 2019, back when Zucker still ran CNN and Licht was the showrunner on The Late Show on CBS. If Licht was seen as mismanaging CNN's top talent, Entelis, in particular, is known to be the queen of talent.

Persons: Chris Licht, David Leavy, Amy Entelis, Tim Alberta's, CNN's, Licht, Jeff Zucker, Zucker, Donald Trump, Christiane Amanpour . Licht, Anderson Cooper, Jake Tapper, Kara Swisher, Mike Coppola, — Licht, Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling, Wolf, David Zaslav, Zaslav, WBD, Leavy, We're, — Leavy, I'm, Kaitlan Collins, Don Lemon's, Poppy Harlow, Licht's, PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA, Jonathan Miller, Entelis, Peter Jennings, Ted Koppel, Anthony Bourdain, Eric Ripert, Masa Takayama, Turner, Lisa Ling's, Bell, Tapper —, CNN —, She's, — Organizations: CNN, Morning, Vox Media, CBS, ABC, Warner Bros, Warner Bros Discovery, HBO, Getty, BBC News Board, Integrated Media, CNN Worldwide, Masa Locations: Trump, Japan, America

☆ Chris Licht's tumultuous 13-month run as CEO of CNN: Layoffs, anchor drama, and that really bad Atlantic profile
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-07 | by ( Madeline Berg | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

Discovery CEO David Zaslav emailed staff, letting them know Licht was stepping down. On the programming side, Licht launched "CNN This Morning," with anchors Don Lemon, Poppy Harlow, and Kaitlan Collins. "It's another shit show" on top of Licht's multiplying challenges at CNN, one former employee told Insider at the time. "Having people applaud those sexual abuse comments definitely made me question my allegiance to this network," one network executive told Insider. CNN's own media reporter Oliver Darcy said Licht had "lost the room," adding that dozens of CNN staffers no longer had confidence in their leader.

Persons: Chris Licht, David Zaslav, Licht, Zaslav, He'd, Jeff Zucker, Stephen Colbert's, Joe, Licht's, WBD, —, Brian Stelter, John Harwood, Don Lemon, Poppy Harlow, Kaitlan Collins, Chris Cuomo, Nikki Haley, isn't, Lemon, Gayle King, Charles Barkley, Dana Bash —, Donald Trump, Trump, CNN's Collins, Zucker, Insider's Nich Carlson, Zaslav's, Puck's Dylan Byers, he'd, CNN's, Oliver Darcy, Anderson Cooper, Jake Tapper, Max Tani Organizations: CNN, Warner Bros, Discovery, Licht, CBS, Trump, House, Republican Party, — CNN, AP, Variety, cnn Locations: Trump

☆ 'That's on me': Warner Bros Discovery CEO sends email to CNN employees taking responsibility for Chris Licht disaster
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-07 | by ( Aaron Mcdade | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Chris Licht is leaving his position as CEO of CNN after a tumultuous year in charge. CNN's parent company, Warner Bros. Warner CEO David Zaslav told employees in an email and a morning newsroom call he was taking responsibility for Licht's mistakes. CNN is once again searching for a new top executive just over a year after departing CEO Chris Licht took the job — and David Zaslav, CEO of CNN's parent company Warner Bros. Read the full memo Zaslav sent to CNN staff that was reported by Tani here:Spokespeople for CNN and Warner Bros.

Persons: Chris Licht, David Zaslav, Licht's, Puck's Dylan Byers, Zaslav, Semafor's Max Tani, Don Lemon, Brian Stelter, Donald Trump, Licht, Jeff Zucker, Oliver Darcy, Jake Tapper, Anderson Cooper, Tani Organizations: CNN, Warner Bros, Discovery, Warner, Wall Street Journal Locations: Trump

His tenure, which effectively started when he eliminated the network's expensive CNN+ streaming service , was riddled with programming missteps and rock-bottom ratings. "We have great confidence in this group and will fully support them until a new CEO is named," Warner Bros. In the meantime, executives Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling and David Leavy will lead CNN, the company said. Chris Licht is out at CNN after leading the news network for a little more than a year, parent company Warner Bros Discovery announced Wednesday morning. Read Zaslav's memo to staff:All,This morning we are announcing that Chris Licht will be leaving CNN and we will be conducting a wide search, internally and externally, for a new leader.

Persons: Chris, Zaslav, –, David Zaslav, Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling, David Leavy, Chris Licht, Licht, Donald Trump, Leavy, Joe, Stephen Colbert, Read, You've, David Organizations: CNN, Warner Bros, Discovery, Warner Bros Discovery, CBS, Development, MSNBC, CNBC

☆ Who is Amy Entelis? CNN exec who lead award-winning documentary unit will take over from Chris Licht
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-07 | by ( Trisha Gopal | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Entelis notably led the network's original series and feature-length documentary unit. Entelis, who joined joined CNN in 2012, revitalized the network's original series and feature-length documentary unit, launching high-profile shows like "Parts Unknown" with Anthony Bourdain and "Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy." Entelis notably lead the charge at CNN Films, the network's longform documentary unit. According to the company's website, Entelis has been responsible for overseeing 45 documentary series and 60 feature length films, earning CNN 100 awards and 445 nominations. Before joining CNN, Entelis spent three decades at ABC, where she managed talent for shows like "20/20," "Good Morning America," "Nightline," and "World News Tonight."

Persons: Chris Licht, Amy Entelis, Entelis, Jeff Zucker, Anthony Bourdain, Stanley Tucci, Alexei Navalny, Licht, David Zaslav, David Leavy, Zaslav's, Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling, Chris, Zaslav Organizations: CNN, Morning, CNN Worldwide, CNN Films, BAFTA, ABC, Warner Bros, Discovery Locations: Italy

☆ CNN shouldn't get a new CEO after the Licht debacle — here's what it needs instead
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-07 | by ( Alison Brower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Chris Licht's exit as CEO of CNN gives Warner Bros. Jeff Zucker, whose title was president, led CNN successfully — if not without controversy — for nine years. The CEO title didn't empower Licht, who was seen as executing Zaslav's vision, not his own. Without a CEO title. If Zaslav anoints a Licht replacement without the CEO title, even if the functions of the job don't change much, media observers will see it as a less lofty role.

Persons: Chris Licht's, Jeff Zucker, Licht, WBD, David Zaslav, that's, — Zucker, Zaslav, Zucker, David Leavy, should've, — Organizations: CNN, Warner Bros, CNN Worldwide, WarnerMedia News, Sports, Trump, Street Journal

☆ CNN's media reporter delivered a brutal assessment of its CEO after embarrassing profile: 'Licht has lost the room'
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-06 | by ( Nathan Mcalone | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

CNN CEO Chris Licht has been hit with a torrent of criticism since a profile of him dropped Friday. CNN media reporter Oliver Darcy wrote that Licht had "lost the room." This time, it's coming from inside the house, as CNN media reporter delivered a brutal assessment of Licht in Monday night's Reliable Sources newsletter. "In the wake of The Atlantic's explosive story, I've spoken with dozens of staffers across the company," Darcy wrote. In fairness to Licht, Darcy also reported that the "somber" remarks the CEO delivered on Monday had "struck the right tone."

Persons: Chris Licht, Oliver Darcy, Licht, Darcy, Puck's Dylan Byers, Byers, Darcy wasn't, David Zaslav, Zaslav's, Zaslav, David Leavy Organizations: CNN, Morning, The Atlantic, Warner Bros Locations: Trump, America, Zaslav

☆ Inside CNN's epic PR fail that made a mockery of CEO Chris Licht
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-04 | by ( Nicholas Carlson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

The Atlantic published a really tough article about CNN CEO Chris Licht. The disaster I'm referring to is Tim Alberta's devastating profile of CNN chair and CEO Chris Licht published Friday. And maybe, the story suggests, that's because that big idea is not really Licht's plan at all but one foisted on him by his boss, Warner Bros. Through the summer, Alberta and Licht and CNN comms people talked about what the story might look like. A handful of sources tell me Kelly was skeptical of whether this was a good idea, Dornic was happy to do whatever, and Licht really, really wanted to do it.

Persons: Chris Licht, CNN's goof, Tim Alberta's, Licht, Licht hasn't, Warner, David Zaslav, Zucker, Jeff Zucker, I've, I'm, Kris Coratti Kelly, Kelly, Matt Dornic, Dornic, Hugo, Evan Agostini, isn't, Michael Eisner, James B, Stewart, Eisner, Stewart's, Tim Alberta, Nikki Haley, Don Lemon, he'd, it's, that's, It's, wasn't, Zaslav Organizations: CNN, Trump Town Hall, Warner Bros, Discovery, Journalism, Licht, Global Communications, American Museum of, Disney, Alberta, Trump, Atlantic Locations: Alberta, Manhattan

☆ Jeff Zucker reportedly compared his firing from CNN to a gunshot wound: 'I gave them a gun, and they shot me with it'
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-04 | by ( Alison Brower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Jeff Zucker compared his firing from CNN to a gunshot wound, according to a New York Times report. Jeff Zucker compared his firing from CNN to a gunshot wound, according to a New York Times report — in part a self-inflicted one. "I gave them a gun, and they shot me with it," Zucker reportedly said. Zucker was an immensely popular leader at CNN, and his firing was a staggering shock to its newsroom and the media industry. Licht and Zucker met a few months after Zucker's firing, over a lunch in the Hamptons arranged by other media stakeholders, the Times reported.

Persons: Jeff Zucker, Zucker, Chris Licht, Allison Gollust, Tim Alberta, Gollust, Andrew Cuomo, Risa Heller, Heller, Zucker's, David Zaslav, Laurene Powell Jobs, Emerson, WBD, Licht, Don Lemon, Donald Trump, Zaslav, David Leavy Organizations: CNN, New York Times, Yale University, Times, Atlantic, WarnerMedia, Warner Bros, Discovery, Hamptons Locations: WarnerMedia, New York

☆ CNN's new COO hire underscores bond between CEO Chris Licht and WBD boss David Zaslav
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-01 | by ( Alex Sherman | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

CNN CEO Chris Licht is about to get some help running his news network from a longtime close confidant of Warner Bros. Discovery chief executive officer David Zaslav. Licht has hired David Leavy as CNN's new chief operating officer, the company announced Thursday. Reporters and staffers openly criticized Licht's decision to air a Donald Trump town hall with legions of screaming fans last month. Licht has since acknowledged production issues with the production while standing behind the decision to broadcast a live Trump town hall.

Persons: Chris Licht, Warner, David Zaslav . Licht, David Leavy, Leavy, Licht, Licht's, Donald Trump, Zaslav Organizations: CNN, Warner Bros . Discovery, Warner Bros, Washington , D.C Locations: Trump, Washington ,

☆ Warner Bros. Discovery CEO Zaslav backs CNN chief Licht amid anger over Trump town hall
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( Alex Sherman | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Discovery CEO David Zaslav supported CNN CEO Chris Licht during an investor conference Thursday as tension at the network rises over the decision to air a live Donald Trump town hall packed with his supporters. Zaslav continues to be supportive of CNN's decision to host the Trump town hall, according to a person familiar with his thinking. "He's the frontrunner — he has to be on our network," Zaslav said on CNBC's "Squawk Box." Amanpour said she met with Licht this week to convey her disappointment with airing a Trump town hall in the format in which it happened. Amanpour is the first significant CNN journalist to publicly criticize Licht and Zaslav's decision to air the town hall.

☆ Warner Bros. Discovery's ad sales chief is battling for market share at the TV upfronts. Meet his 8 deputies driving the strategy.
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Discovery's Jon Steinlauf is working to help the company rebuild amid a soft ad market. The task of grabbing a greater share of that ad market falls to chief US advertising sales officer Jon Steinlauf. He'd led its ad sales since 2018, having joined Discovery through its acquisition of Scripps Networks. He also has Warner experience, having served as VP of ad sales for Turner Broadcasting's TBS and TNT networks in the '90s. And it shared with Insider that four of Steinlauf's eight direct reports are women and that 56% of the ad sales leadership team are women.

☆ We identified the 112 top executives at Warner Bros. Discovery under CEO David Zaslav as the year-old company takes aim at Netflix and Disney
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Claire Atkinson | Lucia Moses | Taylor Tyson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Warner Bros. One year after Discovery acquired WarnerMedia, WBD CEO David Zaslav faces economic headwinds and an ad slump. Insider mapped out the 112 most powerful people under Zaslav leading WBD film and TV studios, HBO, CNN, and more. One year after the merger that created Warner Bros. While Kathleen Finch has joined the mix with her portfolio of Discovery channels, top TV execs from the WarnerMedia regime — HBO's Casey Bloys and Warner Bros. TV studios chief Channing Dungey — are still in place.

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