CNN+ programming chief to exit company in further shakeup at Warner Bros. Discovery

Rebecca Kutler

The head of programming at now defunct CNN+ is among the latest execs to depart Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), joining unscripted duo Corie Henson and Todd Weiser.

Rebecca Kutler had been SVP & head of programming for CNN+, which was swiftly shut down following the merger between WarnerMedia and Discovery.

She has been seen as a key exec for CNN over recent years, not only working across the launch of the short-lived streamer but also overseeing contributors, commentators and newsreaders for the network.

Kutler becomes the latest in a growing list of departures from the CNN side of WBD, following CEO Jeff Zucker’s exit in February after he failed to disclose a relationship.

Since the merger has been completed, CNN+ exec Andrew Morse has left, while Alex MacCallum – who was named interim chief of CNN’s digital operations – is set to depart later this month.

Unscripted exits

Kutler’s exit came at the same time as news broke of two senior unscripted departures.

Corie Henson was most recently EVP & head of unscripted at TBS, TNT and truTV, where she oversaw all unscripted creative development and production for the cable brands.

She had worked on shows including The Cube and Wipeout, having joined in late 2019 from Fox, with her exit coming weeks after that of Brett Weitz, who had been GM at the cablenets.

Todd Weiser, meanwhile, was SVP of programming & development at Food Network and Cooking Channel, having previously worked at Animal Planet. He has been behind shows such as Holiday Baking Championship at Food Network, which he joined in 2013.

WBD is looking to make ‘synergy’ savings of $3bn, resulting in far-reaching lay-offs that have resulted in hundreds of exits so far. Last week, the company revealed a further five departures from its international operation.