As WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar overhauls the media firm to make it more digitally savvy and consumer focused, he is expected to zero in on its news and sports business, particularly CNN, for a shakeup, according to people familiar with the situation.
What could trigger a restructuring of the business is the possible departure of news and sports chairman Jeff Zucker. His contract isn’t up for at least another 12 months, but many people believe he may leave after the presidential election. WarnerMedia has had some internal discussion about who could succeed him, according to a person familiar with the situation. Kilar has said publicly that he wants more diversity in WarnerMedia’s executive ranks, which suggests that he will look for a more diverse candidate than another white man. And he may use the replacement process to limit the role’s scope as well.
