CNN+ programming chief and svp Rebecca Kutler is leaving CNN. The announcement was made by CNN chief executive Chris Licht during the network’s 9 a.m. editorial call this morning.
Variety was first to report.
Kutler is a 20-year veteran of CNN who was most recently in charge of all daily programming for the short-lived subscriber-based streaming service CNN+. She also oversaw all analysts, contributors and commentators for CNN Worldwide, a job she held since 2015.
Kutler previously served as an executive producer across multiple dayparts and launched several of CNN’s high-profile shows, working closely with John King as the ep of Inside Politics and the former John King USA. She also served as a senior producer for the network’s election nights and presidential debate coverage.
Kutler developed and ep’d network specials including The Color of Covid, We Remember: A National Memorial Service for the Victims of Covid-19, The Messy Truth with Van Jones and The Axe Files. She also led efforts to launch the CNN Original Series and Films—and also developed and executive produced several podcasts around CNN Films, including RBG: Beyond Notorious and Apollo 11: Beyond the Moon.
Earlier in her career, Kutler worked as a field producer leading CNN’s teams on assignments including the 2005 London bombing, the Greensburg tornado, the Minnesota bridge collapse and the Sandy Hook shooting.
The new CNN Worldwide has been parting ways with a number of CNN Digital executives as of late. They all seem to have something in common: they were key champions of—and guiding forces behind—CNN+. In addition to Kutler, CNN Digital product chief/interim department head Alex MacCallum and CNN Digital chief technology officer Robyn Peterson are leaving CNN this month. In May, CNN Digital evp/the executive in-charge of CNN+ Andrew Morse and CNN Digital editor-in-chief and svp Meredith Artley announced their respective departures.