Jeff Zucker, who took over CNN nearly eight years ago, is pondering a departure under new ownership, according to a story in The Wall Street Journal.
Zucker, who is known for his hands-on handling of operations, has revamped CNN, giving his on-air anchors far more leeway to express their opinions with a laser focus on the biggest stories of the day. The former “Today” show producer helped hone Trump’s image as a reality star on “The Apprentice” when he ran NBC and gave Trump plenty of attention on CNN in the run-up to the 2016 election. But President Trump has not been happy with Zucker’s CNN in recent years, complaining recently at his rallies that the network spends too much time covering COVID-19.
Brian Steinberg of Variety summed up CNN’s transformation under Zucker like this: “CNN has quickly become something that doesn’t just report, but holds people accountable. Some might even say it crusades. In seven years, Zucker has become as critical an element of CNN’s DNA as Ted Turner, the guy who built the thing in the first place.”
Since AT&T took over WarnerMedia in 2018, it has installed new executives, including Jason Kilar as CEO. Unnamed sources told both Variety and The Wall Street Journal that Zucker is now ambivalent about staying with CNN much longer. AT&T and CNN spokespersons did not comment.
During a recent town hall meeting with employees, Zucker said the pandemic has impacted the still very profitable CNN operations. In the past, profits have exceeded $1 billion. This year, CNN will fall short of profit targets by $100 to $120 million due to digital and international advertising sales, according to the WSJ reports.
Zucker’s contract ends later next year.
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Credit: Social media photo
Credit: Social media photo
Christopher Rude, former radio host at 96rock and 680/The Fan, gave an update on his battle with COVID-19, noting that he is recuperating and will survive.
He said he got sick about a month ago.
On Facebook and his public Twitter page, he wrote that since Oct. 5, he has been doing “the COVID-19 Shuffle? Why? Because I wasn’t very smart. Be aware of those around who are engaging in risky behavior. I not only put myself in danger, but I also endangered people that I love. On a happier note, thank you to everybody who reached out while I was down for the count. Your kind hearts are greatly appreciated!”
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Credit: Extra
Credit: Extra
Atlanta-based AspireTV and REVOLT are co-hosting virtual symposium called “Stop Killing Us! Challenging Police Practices in America,” on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.
Moderated by former “Extra” co-host Tanika Ray, panelists are Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), rap star and activist David Banner, New Jersey Rev. Stephen Green and Aja Brown, mayor of Compton, California. The full panel discussion will stream on both AspireTV and REVOLT websites, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter platforms.
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Credit: Richard Shotwell
Credit: Richard Shotwell
Part-time Atlanta resident Shaquille O’Neal will become an animated figure in a new animated series “Shaq’s Garage.”
The series will portray the secret adventures of O’Neal’s collection of animated cars and trucks, which have unique skills and the mastery of an ultra-secret language Shaqanese. O’Neal will voice Big Diesel.
“We plan to showcase the most amazing, tricked out assortment of vehicles that can only be found in my garage,” O’Neal said in a press release. "They will all have larger than life personalities, larger than life missions, and of course, larger than life sound systems... This will be a kid’s show which will highlight inclusivity for all.”
O’Neal will invest in the company making the show, Genius Brands, a global brand management company.
“Shaq’s Garage” is set to air in 2022 on a new free digital platform, Kartoon Channel.
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