LONDON: CNN’s new CEO Mark Thompson plans to combine all newsgathering operations of the news network into one unit that would serve its television, streaming and digital platforms, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday.
Thompson is also looking to monetize CNN’s offerings, potentially through subscriptions, he said in an interview with the Journal. He intends to take advantage of the vertical video format that is popular with younger consumers, but did not announce any concrete plans for new products.
“I’m not even sure that subscription is the right pathway for CNN,” Thompson was quoted as saying by the newspaper.
CNN declined to comment in response to a Reuters request.
The WSJ also reported that Alex MacCallum, who was most recently the Washington Post’s revenue chief, would join CNN in March as its executive vice president of digital products and services.
MacCallum will oversee efforts to develop products and subscriptions, the Journal added.
CNN-parent Warner Bros Discovery appointed Thompson to the CEO role last year, tasking the former New York Times and BBC chief with reviving the news network beset with sagging ratings and falling profits.
Thompson replaced Chris Licht at CNN, who had tried to boost viewership by attracting more Republican viewers.
Warner Bros Discovery in April 2022 shuttered its CNN+ streaming service less than a month after its highly touted launch, while the executive who helped design its strategy also departed the company.
CNN boss plans to merge newsgathering ops, explores digital subscription model
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CNN boss plans to merge newsgathering ops, explores digital subscription model
- Move is part of efforts to revive viewership, attract younger audience
RT Arabic to launch new TV program marking 100 years of Russia-Saudi relations
- The program will broadcast twice a month starting next month
RIYADH: Russian news network, RT Arabic, is set to launch a new analytical program, “Studio Riyadh,” from the capital next month as part of celebrations marking 100 years of diplomatic relations between Moscow and Saudi Arabia.
The program will be hosted by veteran Saudi journalist Mohammed Al-Rashed and broadcast twice a month, starting February 2026. It will provide in-depth analysis of regional and international developments, featuring prominent political and media figures.
Maya Manna, head of RT Arabic, said that the launch aligned with commemorations of the historic ties between the two countries and reflected a growing commitment to media cooperation.
“Studio Riyadh” will join RT Arabic’s lineup of international programs broadcast from major capitals including Beirut, Cairo, Washington and Paris.
Each 26-minute episode will air on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and feature a focused dialogue on a pressing current affairs topic.
Al-Rashed, a seasoned presenter and correspondent with more than 20 years of experience, is expected to bring deep regional insight and journalistic rigor to the program.
RT Arabic, which was the first Russian news channel to broadcast 24/7 in Arabic, has grown into one of the region’s leading platforms for political analysis. It currently reaches an estimated audience of 400 million viewers and operates a broad network of regional bureaus.
