I've been a newsroom manager for many years, but wasn't in my position at CNN. There are some AMAZING colleagues, and some managers I wouldn't hire to be an intern.
Managers are OFTEN promoted from very limited career experiences (sometimes solely at CNN), and it shows. These managers who've never worked at another news organization, are often petty, weak leaders, sometimes even after being sent to Poynter's Leadership Academy or other leadership training.
Rather than look at each employee's strengths and weaknesses, management behavior largely depends on current mood, and whether the direct report is in a particular clique. I've seen MANY quality people pushed out because of a personality conflict between themselves and a direct report, when a good manager would work to resolve the issue and regain the quality work from that employee.
I saw colleagues who were treated horribly for the most ridiculous reasons, often outside their control. I also saw managers give direction to all direct reports, then give opposing direction to someone whose life they simply want to make more difficult, or even to push a particular person to resign.
I walked out that door with a promise...to NEVER subject myself to such an unhealthy environment again. You may end up with a good manager, but they are few in that newsroom.
Don't make the mistake of thinking you can leave stressors at the door of the CNN newsroom . Work life at CNN will ABSOLUTELY bleed over into your personal life. That's an unfortunate promise I'm now qualified to make.
