CNN names Jeff Zucker’s replacements after shock resignation

Three high CNN executives will kind an interim management group on the community following the shock resignation of the information community’s longtime president, Jeff Zucker, WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar knowledgeable staff on Wednesday.

Michael Bass, Amy Entelis and Ken Jautz are assuming Zucker’s management tasks till WarnerMedia’s pending merger with Discovery is full, Kilar stated in a memo to staffers obtained by the Submit.

Bass is CNN US’s government vice chairman of programming. Entelis is CNN Worldwide’s government vice chairman for expertise and content material growth, whereas Jautz serves as CNN US’s government vice chairman.

“We're lucky to have three senior leaders inside the Information group who've agreed to function interim co-heads for CNN starting in the present day by means of what you must anticipate might be by means of the shut of the pending transaction with Discovery,” Kilar stated.

“I've full confidence that Michael, Amy and Ken, as interim heads for Information, will present the management this group wants throughout this time of transition,” he added.

Zucker additionally oversaw Turner Sports activities previous to his exit. Kilar famous that Lenny Daniels will stay president of WarnerMedia’s Turner Sports activities & Bleacher Report, whereas Patrick Crumb will proceed to supervise its regional sports activities networks.

Three high CNN executives will kind an interim management group following the shock resignation Jeff Zucker.

AFP by way of Getty Photographs

Ken Jautz serves as CNN US’s government vice chairman.

CNN

Amy Entelis is CNN Worldwide’s government vice chairman for expertise and content material growth.

CNN

Michael Bass is CNN US’s government vice chairman of programming.

Courtesy of CNN

“You'll hear extra from Michael, Amy, Ken, Lenny, and Patrick within the coming days however I needed you to pay attention to these choices which were made,” Kilar stated.

Earlier Wednesday, Zucker introduced that he would resign as CNN’s president successfully instantly after failing to correctly disclose a romantic relationship with a co-worker.

Zucker stated the connection surfaced throughout an inner investigation into the conduct of ex-CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, who was fired final yr for aiding his brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, in his response to sexual harassment allegations.

Zucker didn't establish the senior government with whom he was concerned by title, however she was later recognized as CNN’s government vice chairman and chief advertising officer Allison Gollust.

“As a part of the investigation into Chris Cuomo’s tenure at CNN, I used to be requested a few consensual relationship with my closest colleague, somebody I've labored with for greater than 20 years,” Zucker advised staff in a memo. “I acknowledged the connection developed in recent times. I used to be required to reveal it when it started however I didn’t. I used to be flawed. Consequently, I'm resigning in the present day.”

Gollust later acknowledged the connection in a separate memo.

“Jeff and I've been shut associates and professional companions for over 20 years. Not too long ago, our relationship modified throughout COVID. I remorse that we didn’t disclose it on the proper time. I’m extremely pleased with my time at CNN and stay up for persevering with the nice work we do on a regular basis,” she stated, in keeping with the Related Press.

Zucker has served as president of CNN Worldwide since 2013. He took over as chairman of WarnerMedia Information and Sports activities in 2019.

Further reporting by Lydia Moynihan