<\/p>\n
CNN has promoted Alex MacCallum to chief operating officer, giving one of its key digital executives a broader remit as the network pushes harder into streaming and subscriber growth.<\/p>\n
Mark Thompson, CNN\u2019s chief executive, told staff in a memo that MacCallum had already played a central part in reshaping the business since returning to the company two years ago. According to Thompson, she has helped build out CNN\u2019s digital operation, overseen product changes and led the launch of the network\u2019s direct-to-consumer offering.<\/p>\n
MacCallum\u2019s elevation reflects how much weight CNN is now placing on its online and subscription businesses. The network\u2019s linear television arm still generates most of its revenue and operating profit, but its cable audience continues to shrink.<\/p>\n
Kagan, the market research arm of S&P Global Intelligence, expects CNN to end 2026 with 62 million cable subscribers, down from 67.1 million in 2024, even as advertising and carriage fees are forecast to rise this year, helped in part by the midterm election cycle.<\/p>\n
Her new responsibilities include consumer strategy, business operations, strategic partnerships and business development, along with other special projects. CNN\u2019s newsgathering operation will remain under Thompson\u2019s direct oversight, with senior newsroom executives Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley and Eric Sherling still reporting to him.<\/p>\n
MacCallum is no stranger to the network. During an earlier stint, she was involved in the launch of CNN+, the subscription streaming service that was introduced with considerable fanfare but shut down soon after WarnerMedia\u2019s merger with Discovery. Some in the industry have since argued that ending the service slowed CNN\u2019s efforts to build a broadband audience while competitors such as NBC News and Fox News pressed ahead. Now, with a wider management brief, she may have more authority to see similar initiatives through.<\/p>\n
Before returning to CNN, MacCallum built a reputation as a digital transformation executive at The Washington Post and The New York Times, where she worked on product development and audience strategy. CNN\u2019s decision to put her in the operating chief role suggests the company sees digital execution, not just legacy television journalism, as central to its next phase.<\/p>\n