New CNN CEO Mark Thompson once rescued the New York Times from the end of newspapers. Can he do the same with CNN as cable TV dies?

Newly appointed CNN CEO Mark Thompson stands next to a window. (Credit: Bloomberg)

Mark Thompson is widely credited with transforming the New York Times into a digital newsroom as print journalism died a slow death in the online era. Now, after becoming CEO of cable network CNN, he will lead another historic, global news organization as changing market forces pose an existential risk to its future. 

David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros Discovery, which owns CNN, pointed to Thompson’s previous experiences, which also included leading the BBC, when announcing his hire on Wednesday. “Mark is a true innovator who has transformed for the digital age two of the world’s most respected news organizations,” Zaslav said in a statement.