CNN has brought in Lauren Mensch and Chris Russell, two experienced executive producers, to head up “CNN This Morning,” the network’s struggling morning show. The move is an attempt to improve the show’s ratings and address the issues surrounding host Don Lemon.
According to The New York Post, Mensch, who has previously worked on “CNN Newsroom,” will be responsible for the show’s editorial direction and lead the team in the control room during the 6-9 a.m. hours. Meanwhile, Russell, who has worked with CNN CEO Chris Licht at CBS News, will oversee production during the dayside and evening hours to prepare for the following morning’s broadcast.
Both producers will report to Ryan Kadro, senior vice president of content strategy at CNN. The move comes after Lemon’s on-air mistakes, an off-air altercation with co-anchor Kaitlan Collins, and criticism from the public and actress Michelle Yeoh following his insensitive comments about GOP candidate Nikki Haley.
CNN hopes Mensch and Russell’s expertise will guide the program toward a new direction. Mensch’s most recent role was as the executive producer of “CNN Newsroom” alongside Alisyn Camerota and Victor Blackwell. The program’s underwhelming viewership prompted reassigning of the previous executive producer, Eric Hall, to “CNN Tonight” in January.
The show’s ratings have been significantly lower than its competitors, “Fox & Friends” and “Morning Joe,” with an average of only 360,000 total viewers and 73,000 viewers in the 25-to-54 demographic. Industry insiders believe hiring Mensch and Russell indicates that CNN is serious about turning things around for “CNN This Morning.”
