Discovery confirms CBS exec Licht as new CNN boss
David McNew/Hulton Archive via Getty Images

Discovery (DISCA
-2.3%) has confirmed that Chris Licht will lead CNN after the completion of Discovery's acquisition of WarnerMedia (T
-1.4%) early in the second quarter this year.
âI have known and admired Chris for more than 15 years and strongly believe he is the best person to lead CNN Global as part of Warner Bros. Discovery," says Discovery CEO David Zaslav. "Chris is a dynamic and creative producer, an engaging and thoughtful journalist, and a true news person." 
Zaslav will also take over as CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery after the acquisition's completion.
Licht, currently executive vice president of special programming at CBS (PARA
+1.2%, PARAA
+1%), is set to start his new role as chairman and CEO of CNN Global May 1, with AT&T and Discovery planning to close their media combination just before then. In is new role, Licht will report directly to Zaslav.
Along with his executive role, Licht is currently executive producer and showrunner for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He previously built up morning news program CBS This Morning, and at MSNBC he was co-creator and executive producer of Morning Joe.
Licht will replace longtime CNN chief Jeff Zucker, who resigned on Feb. 2 citing an undisclosed relationship with an employee.