Fantastic staff, top notch resources, hampered by poor Dept head and Exec Leadership in many cases.
Pros
I worked at CNN in the 1980's. I came in near the beginning of the network, and rose thru the ranks . I was proud of CNN and Turner Broadcasting's rise to to peak of the industry. Great employees, generally good to very good immediate supervisors and managers that have risen thru the ranks and are managing areas in which they once worked as staffers. The benefits package are among the best in the business. My CNN 401k match made me VERY well situated for retirement early in life. the company match is phenomenal.
Cons
CNN is struggling to re-invent itself, again. The current president has boldly stated "CNN Needs less news, and more shows." for those of us who still believe Ted Turner had it right from the start with "News is the star" are appalled at some of the steps CNN is taking to try to regain Ratings Success over Journalistic Integrity. The lip service given to "Life/Work Balance" became a joke. The company talks a good game, but the reality is something else. That said, most CNNers have a passion for the work and relish the thrill of live news and the long hours in the short term, when needed. That hard work and long hours is often left unappreciated by senior leadership. Over the past couple years CNN has done a series of "re-orgs" of Depts. This too often seemed to see the most senior, experienced, and well-compensated staff...pushed out. We call it the 20, 50, 100 club. (20 yrs, over 50, making more than 100k). Morale is low now, staff anxiety high, due to many factors including layoffs, and disappointing ratings.
