This morning CNN Worldwide president Jeff Zucker revealed that HLN chief Scot Safon would be departing the company at the end of August, after 22 years at Turner Broadcasting. Shortly thereafter Safon sent a memo to staff explaining the decision to move on.
“This week marks my 22nd anniversary at the company, and I look back at an experience that feels both very rewarding…and very complete,” Safon wrote in the memo, which was obtained by TVNewser. “I will miss working daily with all of you. The energy that pulses through CNN Worldwide is unique, and the rhythms of a CNN or HLN day are unlike what you will find anywhere else. Most of all, the people you get to work with each day are, quite simply, wonderful. ”
He also talked about his time as the chief marketing officer at CNN, and as GM of HLN. Read the memo after the jump.
From: CNN Information
Date: Wednesday, August 7, 2013 10:55 AM
To: “*All CNN Staff (TBS)”, “*HLN Staff (TBS)”
Subject: A Note From Scot SafonColleagues,
As many of you know, my Turner career has had two decade-long chapters. Chapter One unfolded at Ted Turner’s upstart TNT network, where I got to lead the marketing team. The second chapter brought me to CNN Worldwide, where I’ve had the privilege of serving as (first) the global Chief Marketing Officer of CNN and, since 2010, as the General Manager of HLN. It has been quite a ride.
Well, that ride has brought me to this exciting, admittedly bittersweet, point. I’ve decided it is time to leave my Turner home to explore what I want to do next. This week marks my 22nd anniversary at the company, and I look back at an experience that feels both very rewarding…and very complete.
I will never forget my first day at CNN. The organization was gearing up for its coverage of the first anniversary of 9/11. I was surprised at the intelligence and passion that infused every discussion about our coverage plans. I thought this was an exceptional moment.
It was not an exception. As CNN moved on to cover other news stories — elections, wars, trials, natural disasters, climate change, social upheaval — it became clear that intelligence and passion would be part of every discussion. There would also be laughter, camaraderie, provocation and lots and lots of hard work. This is a dynamic group of people, doing an extraordinarily tough job.
I loved the eight years I served as CNN’s CMO, working with a great team on initiatives that launched shows and platforms and services and sales efforts. Our campaigns won more industry awards than any other news organization’s, including the very first Emmy awarded for news promotional work.
Being the General Manager of HLN has been one of the most exciting, challenging and rewarding experiences of my career. The HLN team does an extraordinary job producing a network and digital site that has an enormous impact. They inspire me every day. Their talent and resourcefulness is matched by their incredible generosity and spirit.
I will miss working daily with all of you. The energy that pulses through CNN Worldwide is unique, and the rhythms of a CNN or HLN day are unlike what you will find anywhere else. Most of all, the people you get to work with each day are, quite simply, wonderful.
Thank you for the chance to be part of the CNN Worldwide story. I will never forget the years I spent with you, and I look forward to watching the success you have ahead.
Best,
Scot