New CNN boss Chris Licht calls pulling the plug on CNN+ a “uniquely sh*tty situation"

CNN

“It is not your fault that you had the rug pulled out from underneath you,” Licht, who assumes his new job as CEO of CNN on May 2, told staffers today, according to an account by CNN media reporters Oliver Darcy and Brian Stelter. They note that some CNN+ programming may end up on CNN or a new all-encompassing streaming service that Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav is planning. Licht said in a town hall-style meeting with staffers that “this was an incredibly successful launch” but simply incompatible with the plans for the newly merged Warner Bros. Discovery. Some staffers blamed the prior administration under Jeff Zucker for moving forward with the launch despite the impending merger. In an internal memo, Licht said all CNN+ employees will continue to be paid and receive benefits for the next 90 days to explore opportunities at CNN, CNN Digital and elsewhere in the Warner Bros. Discovery family.” 

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