CNN Washington bureau chief David Bohrman has been named senior VP and “Chief Innovation Officer,” reporting directly to CNN Worldwide president Jim Walton.
“We are giving his passion for what is new and next in emerging technology a bigger canvas,” said Walton in an email to staff. “He will continue to contribute to the creation of formats and editorial approaches, but now across CNN’s multiple platforms.”
Bohrman will assume the new role May 1, but in the meantime the search is underway for a new DC bureau chief. CNN/U.S. chief Ken Jautz and new-CNNer Mark Whitaker will lead the search for Bohrman’s replacement.
One name that is surely in consideration: CNN political director Sam Feist.
Walton’s full memo is after the jump.
March 14, 2011
To: CNN Staff
From: Jim Walton
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David Bohrman, CNN’s DC Bureau Chief and head of special events, will assume a new role within our organization in the coming weeks. On May 1, David will become the senior vice president and chief innovation officer for CNN Worldwide, reporting directly to me.
As the executive producer of CNN’s election coverage over the last nine years, David has integrated technology with our news reporting to change the face of our coverage and further demonstrate CNN’s commitment to innovation. We need only think of the CNN/YouTube debates, the “magic wall”, and our anchoring from the convention floors to be reminded of his leadership in this area.
We are giving his passion for what is new and next in emerging technology a bigger canvas. He will continue to contribute to the creation of formats and editorial approaches, but now across CNN’s multiple platforms.
Ken and Mark will lead the search for David’s replacement as DC Bureau Chief; our plan is to fill that role as soon as possible.
We look forward to seeing David’s creative expertise at work across the CNN landscape. Please join me in congratulating him on this new assignment.