The top executive at CNN, Chris Licht, has been dismissed from his position, following a disastrous public relations debacle and a significant ratings nosedive. Network insiders suggest that Licht's belated attempt to apologize to his team fell on deaf ears and failed to repair the damage done during his tenure.
"Chris had alienated a significant portion of the staff and exhausted any goodwill he initially had when he took over the reins of the network," reported CNN Media correspondent Oliver Darcy. Licht, 51, bore witness to a number of sex scandals, significant drops in viewership, and the termination of numerous high-profile employees during his time as CEO, marking one of the darkest periods in CNN's history. His fate, sources say, was sealed following an unfortunate magazine interview in which he harshly criticized his own staff.
Just before his dismissal, the network hinted at the imminent leadership transition by bringing on David Leavy as the new Chief Operating Officer, intending for him to "steady the ship." While the initial plan involved a gradual transfer of Licht's duties to Leavy over several weeks, the process accelerated following the incriminating article. Insiders at the National ENQUIRER had foreseen Licht's downfall, particularly after the controversial Donald Trump town hall broadcast on the network, where Trump notably overpowered rising CNN star Kaitlan Collins, 31.
"One of Chris's biggest blunders was leaving Kaitlan exposed," an inside source revealed.
The embarrassing spectacle infuriated staff members, prompting CNN's esteemed former anchor Christiane Amanpour to publicly reprimand Licht. Sources reveal that a frantic Licht made numerous unsuccessful attempts to rally support among CNN anchors during his final days.
"Chris lost the trust and confidence of the staff several months ago, and then managed to even alienate the executives," said another source close to the matter.
The insider concluded, "His position had become untenable!"
National Enquirer reported on the insiders' comments.