CNN CEO Chris Licht Apologizes to Employees, Saying he Overshadowed the Network’s Accomplishments

On a morning editorial call, CNN Chief Executive Chris Licht apologized to colleagues, stating that stories concerning his management of the network was overshadowing the network’s journalistic successes.

Licht’s comments come after an unflattering feature of him appeared in the Atlantic on Friday.

“I know these last few days have been very difficult for this group,” he remarked, according to call audio. “And I fully acknowledge that this news cycle, and my role in it, have overshadowed and distracted from the work of every single journalist in this organization.” And I sincerely apologize.”

Last year, Licht was named president of CNN. Its ratings are at an all-time low, and the network has been striving to find the proper formula in prime time while simultaneously experimenting with its morning shows. According to those close to the network, Licht has attempted to reset the network’s editorial style after research revealed that viewers felt it to have a partisan bent.

In the lengthy Atlantic piece, to which Licht provided broad access, he stated negative things about CNN’s strategy to reporting Donald Trump before he came, and said it had alienated viewers with its coverage of Covid-19, among other things.

“As I read that article, I thought to myself, CNN isn’t about me.” “Unless it’s taking arrows for you, I shouldn’t be in the news,” he stated on the phone.

“There are sections of that piece and characterizations made that make me feel uncomfortable. But there are some of you who do,” Licht pointed out.

“This experience has been tremendously humbling,” he stated. “And to those whose trust I have betrayed, I will fight like hell to reclaim it.”