CNN CEO Chris Licht to step down

CNN CEO Chris Licht is stepping down, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav told CNN employees Wednesday.

"This morning we are announcing that Chris Licht will be leaving CNN and we will be conducting a wide search, internally and externally, for a new leader," Zaslav said in an email to employees. CNN confirmed the email to POLITICO. "I wanted you to hear this news directly from me as it impacts you and your teams."

"Unfortunately, things did not work out the way we had hoped — and ultimately that’s on me. I take responsibility. Needless to say, we appreciate Chris’ efforts and dedication and wish him all the best," Zaslav said.

Licht will be replaced for an interim period by longtime CNN executive Amy Entelis.

The news comes after Licht's rocky tenure as CEO, a widely criticized town hall with former President Donald Trump and a sweeping Atlantic profile on the CEO.

Licht was only in the position for a little over a year, with his tenure being marked by the shuttering of the streaming service CNN+, rock-bottom ratings and news stories about the CEO that called into question his leadership. Licht apologized to staffers Monday morning for the unflattering Atlantic profile.

Licht also oversaw the rollout of "CNN This Morning" co-anchored by Don Lemon, who was fired in April.

"This job was never going to be easy, especially at a time of great disruption and transformation, and Chris poured his heart and soul into it. He has a deep love for journalism and this business and that has been evident throughout his tenure," Zaslav said in the email.

The news of Licht's departure was first reported by Puck.