Discovery CEO Calls CNN 'Reputational Asset'

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav kicked off his cross-country tour of the sprawling media behemoth he now leads on Monday, and according to Mediaite reports so far indicate it’s going pretty well.

Monday was the first day of Warner Bros. Discovery’s official existence, now trading on the NASDAQ index as “WBD.” Combined, the new company has roughly 36,000 employees working on production and distribution of some of the world’s best-known movie, television, and entertainment content.

As Mediaite reported on Sunday, Zaslav’s planned itinerary was to start with the WarnerMedia global headquarters in New York City on Monday, CNN’s D.C. bureau Monday evening, the Warner Bros. Atlanta office on Tuesday, WarnerMedia/HBO offices in Culver City, Calif. on Wednesday, and then a town hall at the WarnerMedia offices in Burbank.

David Zaslav

Multiple reports about the merger have mentioned employees being wary of potential layoffs; that nervousness is not unwarranted. Warner Bros. Discovery had an estimated $58 billion in debt when the sun rose this morning, and Zaslav has pledged to find $3 billion in “cost saving synergies.”

Variety reported that two sources had told them that Zaslav had conference calls with several senior staff members on Friday, and he acknowledged that there were some positions that would be redundant within the new entity. There would be some layoffs, but he did not share specific plans.

Before the team lunch, Zaslav spoke to the newsroom, briefly outlining his hopes for the CNN brand. One person who attended said Zaslav told the crowd that the news operation should be regarded as a "reputational asset," and that its national and global coverage are paramount — perhaps a hint that any layoffs won't immediately be apparent at the news network. Zaslav also praised CNN's coverage of Russia's war on Ukraine, reports Insider. 

Discovery assets now under Warner Bros. Discovery include a news channel in Poland, TVN24, and an investment in GB News in the UK. 

Zaslav added that he wanted to lean in and make the most of CNN's global presence and discussed the possibility of making it available in multiple languages.

The general mood was friendly, and “no fireworks,” said our source, who added that Zaslav spoke first and then new CNN head Chris Licht, tapped to take over after Jeff Zucker’s shock ouster, addressed the crowd. Both said they were happy to be there and looking forward to working with the team in D.C.

The two Discovery executives then mingled with the gathered staffers. Zaslav was described as repeatedly praising CNN’s Ukraine coverage in his conversations with various anchors and correspondents.