Warner Bros. Discovery has appointed a media heavyweight, Mark Thompson, as the next CEO of CNN, effective October 9.

With a resume boasting leadership roles at the BBC and The New York Times Company, Thompson brings decades of experience to the role.

CNN is aiming for a turnaround after facing a ratings slump, and Thompson's track record of leading major media companies will be a crucial asset in this endeavor.

Following the departure of the controversial former head, Chris Licht, CNN has tapped the experienced Mark Thompson as its new CEO.

This comes on the heels of a tumultuous year, including a heavily criticized town hall event with former President Donald Trump that left the moderator, Kaitlan Collins, facing jeers from the audience.

CEO David Zaslav expressed confidence in Thompson's ability to steer CNN in the right direction, praising his track record of inspiring organizations to strive for excellence and achieve it.