CNN has elevated its digital chief Alex MacCallum to the role of chief operating officer, a move widely viewed as preparation for future leadership transitions at the network. The announcement came in an internal memo from CEO Mark Thompson on April 10, in which he described the promotion as significant and outlined expanded responsibilities for MacCallum, according to a report from Status.
In her new position, MacCallum will take on additional oversight of consumer strategy, the rollout of a new business operating model, performance monitoring across the organization, strategic partnerships, and special projects aimed at tackling the network’s most pressing issues. She will retain leadership over CNN’s digital products and services, an area where she has made substantial contributions since rejoining the network.
MacCallum first returned to CNN in early 2024 as executive vice president of digital products and services. During her tenure, she has focused on transforming the network’s digital presence. Key accomplishments include building robust leadership teams in areas such as audience development, data analytics, product innovation, technology, engagement, and revenue generation. She has also played a central role in launching a direct-to-consumer subscription service and enhancing core digital offerings to better serve both younger and traditional audiences.
The promotion positions MacCallum as a leading candidate to eventually succeed Thompson as head of CNN. Observers see this as Thompson signaling his preferred successor, potentially streamlining the path for continuity in the network’s ongoing strategic shift.
This leadership change occurs as CNN continues to navigate a highly competitive cable news environment. The network has faced significant challenges in maintaining viewership against rivals Fox News and MS Now. Recent ratings data for 2025 highlight the difficulties, with Fox News achieving record highs for a non-election year across both primetime and total day audiences. In contrast, CNN experienced notable declines, averaging around 570,000 to 580,000 primetime viewers with particularly steep drops in the key 25-to-54 age demographic coveted by advertisers. MS Now similarly posted weaker numbers compared to previous periods.
These trends reflect broader shifts in the media landscape, including audience fragmentation due to streaming options, social media, and changing viewing habits. Traditional linear television has seen reduced relevance as consumers turn to on-demand and digital platforms for news consumption.
Under Thompson’s leadership since late 2023, CNN has prioritized digital transformation to address these pressures. The strategy emphasizes innovation in products, monetization through subscriptions and other digital revenue streams, and reducing over-reliance on cable subscriptions. Efforts have included organizational restructuring to integrate news gathering across platforms and exploring new formats to engage audiences wherever they consume content.
As MacCallum assumes broader operational duties, the network’s staff and industry watchers will closely monitor how these changes translate into improved performance metrics and audience growth. The promotion underscores a commitment to forward-thinking leadership capable of guiding CNN through an era of rapid media evolution.
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