Rachel Smolkin, the veteran media executive who spearheaded CNN’s global digital news, is set to depart the network after a decade to become the next president and CEO of Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB). Her departure marks a significant change at CNN during a period of substantial transformation within the organization.
A Transformational Leader At CNN
Smolkin, who joined CNN in 2014, was instrumental in modernizing the network’s politics coverage for CNN Digital. Her efforts expanded over the years to include national, international, business, and live news for the network’s digital platforms. Alongside her innovative approach to U.S. election coverage, she ensured CNN’s audience received up-to-the-minute news across various screens and technologies.
I don’t think I’ve ever had an “average” day
, Smolkin shared about her dynamic experience at CNN. Her leadership in recruiting and supporting talented, diverse journalists across the network has been pivotal in developing their reputation for breaking news and robust fact-checking.
New Challenges At OPB
Her move to OPB comes during a challenging time for the journalism industry. The organization is navigating an environment where digital and broadcast advertising revenue is shrinking as news consumption shifts increasingly towards social media platforms and nontraditional sources. Additionally, rapid developments in artificial intelligence pose new threats to traditional journalism models.
Remarks From OPB And CNN
Rukaiyah Adams, chair of OPB’s board of directors, praised Smolkin as a forward-thinking journalist
and a strong business strategist
. Adams emphasized that her deep experience in journalism and adaptive leadership skills would drive OPB forward amidst these challenges. Meanwhile, Virginia Moseley, CNN’s executive editor, commended Smolkin’s work on service journalism and explainers as core parts of their storytelling approach.
A New Chapter For Both Organizations
Her departure follows major changes at CNN under the leadership of new chairman and CEO Mark Thompson. Highlighting this transitional phase, Thompson urged the company to recapture some of the swagger and innovation of the early CNN
. His vision aims to steer the network through industry disruptions with a renewed focus on its foundational values.
At OPB, contributions from donors have grown over the past decade. However, to secure its future, Smolkin emphasizes the need for creative thinking and strategies to continue serving its audience effectively. I am energized by the commitment the board has shown for building news and public affairs programming for all Oregonians and Southwest Washingtonians
, she said upon accepting her new role.
An Impressive Legacy And Forward-Looking Vision
Before her tenure at CNN, Smolkin made significant contributions at Politico, USA Today, and the American Journalism Review. Now succeeding Steve Bass as OPB’s CEO in September, she is poised to lead with innovative solutions in these transformative times.
The Industry’s Future And Innovation
The announcement of her transition coincides with another notable departure at CNN—that of Sam Feist, longtime Washington bureau chief and senior vice president, who will now head C-SPAN as CEO. As both organizations undergo significant changes, industry analysts will be watching how these shifts impact their future directions.
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