Michael Bass, CNN’s longtime programming chief known for his work through former president Donald Trump’s political career, will exit the network at the end of this year, has confirmed.
The CEO Chris Licht announced Monday morning the news, saying: “Michael has demonstrated incredible leadership and perseverance”CNN for nearly a decade.
Bass was one of the executives selected to lead the network’s interim leadership team after Jeff Zucker left earlier in this year. In July, Bass was officially named to Licht’s team, along with CNN Worldwide’s executive vice president for talent and content development Amy Entelis and CNN U.S.’ executive vice president Ken Jautz.
“He has been a steady hand during some of the most turbulent times this network has faced,”Licht wrote this memo to the staff. “Along with a brilliant and courageous team, Michael kept CNN live and on air as COVID-19 shut the world down … And as a part of the “Trio,” Michael, Amy, and Ken guided CNN through a difficult transition period while simultaneously overseeing our exceptional coverage of the war in Ukraine.”
Bass created a number legacy programs and shows while he was in charge. He also oversaw coverage of elections, town halls and debates, and he created CNN’s Key Race Alerts. In addition, he developed special series including “Roots,” “The Person Who Changed My Life,” “Champions for Change”The “Beyond the Call of Duty” franchise.
“I wish Michael well in his future endeavors and thank him for his contributions, guidance, and friendship,”The memo was concluded.
Licht is already in search of Bass’s successor and will announce an interim plan in the coming days.
