CNN has work to do on its digital output according to Mark Thompson, the news network’s new CEO and chairman.
In a video message delivered to staff on Monday, his first day in post, the former BBC director general and New York Times executive said most people under retirement age now consume news on their mobile phones.
“The truth is that despite some recent encouraging developments, like the launch of CNN Max, this company is still nowhere near ready for the future,” Thompson said, tell his audience that TV is “too dominant at CNN and digital, too marginal”.
Linear TV, according to Thompson can no longer define the business, which is now a part of Warner Bros. Discovery.
CNN Max launched as an open beta in September on WBD’s Max platform. The new service will include original programming built specifically for the Max streaming audience along with additional familiar programming featuring the most notable worldwide CNN anchors, correspondents, and contributors.
However, CNN Max immediately ran into trouble after DirecTV warned the new streaming service risks violating the contract between the two businesses.
Thompson replaces Chris Licht, who left in June after just more than a year in the job.
