Ex-CNN boss criticizes media's exaggerated claims about Trump
- Chris Licht's term as CNN chairman ended in June 2023 after attempts to redefine the network's coverage.
- He criticized the media for sensationalizing Donald Trump's potential presidency and advised factual reporting.
- His departure coincided with financial troubles for CNN, leading to a return to more critical coverage of Trump.
In June 2023, Chris Licht was ousted as CNN's chairman and CEO after only over a year in the role. His tenure was marked by efforts to refine CNN's focus, including a challenge to the media's portrayal of significant political events. Criticizing the prevalent hyperbole surrounding Donald Trump's potential presidential run, Licht warned of a credibility crisis if such exaggerated claims—like the notion of Trump's presidency leading to 'the end of democracy'—were proven false in the future. He advised media colleagues to stick to factual reporting instead of making predictions that could mislead the public. Following his departure, CNN faced financial struggles and declining viewership, leading to a shift back to more critical coverage of Trump under new leadership by Mark Thompson, as the network adjusted its approach amid ongoing budget cuts and staff layoff challenges.