CNN's CEO fired, just hours later, more executives leave network

CNN CEO Chris Licht has ben fired.

The firing is reportedly a result of the apparent loss of confidence in his ability to lead the network.

"The shocking development was broken by Dylan Byers of Puck News, who wrote on Twitter that Licht is leaving the company and will be temporarily replaced by CNN executive Amy Entelis. The story was confirmed moments later by The New York Times," Mediaite reported.

Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav had this to say about the CNN chief's departure:

I have great respect for Chris, personally and professionally. The job of leading CNN was never going to be easy, especially at a time of huge disruption and transformation, and he has poured his heart and soul into it. While we know we have work to do as we look to identify a new leader, we have absolute confidence in the team we have in place and will continue to fight for CNN and its world class journalism.

"Now, after a year of leadership missteps, programming misfires, a disastrous Trump town hall and the near-total decimation of staff morale in the wake of a chilling all-access Atlantic story, Licht will be vacating the C.E.O. position," Puck News wrote. "In the next 48 hours, I’m told, Warner Bros. Discovery will announce that Licht will be stepping down as chairman and C.E.O. of CNN, ostensibly bringing an end to one of the most turbulent periods in the network’s 43-year history."

Shortly after Licht's firing, two top communications leaders for the network also departed.

"The top two leaders of CNN’s communications department, Kris Coratti Kelly and Matt Dornic, as well as Licht’s chief of staff, Devan Caye, will also depart the company, I’m told," CNN's Oliver Darcy tweeted.

The top two leaders of CNN's communications department, Kris Coratti Kelly and Matt Dornic, as well as Licht's chief of staff, Devan Cayea, will also depart the company, I'm told.

— Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) June 7, 2023

"Licht’s ousting comes days after The Atlantic published an article entitled 'Inside The Meltdown At CNN,' which detailed alleged tensions between staffers since Licht took over the network last April. Licht reportedly apologized to staff Monday during the editorial meeting before confirming he would remain in his position as CEO," Daily Caller reported.