Chris Licht to replace Jeff Zucker as CNN president – The Late Show with Stephen Colbert executive producer to take over

CNN WILL reportedly name Chris Licht as the news network's next president and replacement for Jeff Zucker, who resigned weeks ago.

Licht is currently an executive producer for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, but his contract with CBS reportedly expires in April.

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Initial reporting from indicates Jeff Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, has selected Licht for the position.

Sources expect Licht will be formally announced as the news head at or before a shareholders meeting on March 11.

Zucker shocked the industry in February when he submitted his resignation due to a relationship that he had with one of his "closest colleagues."

"As part of the investigation into Chris Cuomo's tenure at CNN, I was asked about a consensual relationship with my closest colleague, someone I have working with for more than 20 years," Zucker wrote in a statement.

"I acknowledged the relationship evolved in recent years. I was required to disclose it when it began but I didn't. I was wrong."

"As a result, I am resigning today," he continued.

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"I came to CNN on January 28, 2013. Together, we had nine great years. I certainly wish my tenure here had ended differently. But it was an amazing run. And I loved every minute."

Zucker later went on to thank the CNN and Turner Sports employees.

The woman in question was Allison Gollust, CNN's executive vice president and chief marketing officer. She is said to be remaining at CNN.

"Jeff and I have been close friends and professional partners for over 20 years," Gollust said in a separate statement.

"Recently, our relationship changed during Covid. I regret that we didn’t disclose it at the right time. I’m incredibly proud of my time at CNN and look forward to continuing the great work we do every day."

After his stint at Comedy Central ended in 2014, Stephen Colbert joined CBS with his program The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Licht has been the show's producer since 2016.

He previously served as executive producer on CBS This Morning and as vice president of programming at CBS News.