He's also known for squeezing costs out of operations, which could concern WarnerMedia employees who've already been through years of restructuring under AT&T. But Zaslav is likely to get at least a warm initial reception. Were running our business," Zaslav said. During the Evans era, the sources of corporate infighting were often esoteric. And now, the former lawyer for Discovery founder John Hendricks is the new king of media, set to oversee $20 billion in content spend, topping Netflix's $17 billion. Stay up to date with what you want to know. See Barrs tweets at the bottom of this post. The Discovery Channel started in 1985 with a documentary about the frigid waters of the North Atlantic. Zaslav wooed Scripps CEO Ken Lowe for a decade before consummating the $14.6 billion deal in 2018. "Jeff is a good friend of mine, I cant speak to this issue, we dont own the company yet," Zaslav said. The public reason given was that Zucker didn't disclose a sexual relationship with CNN executive Allison Gollust, which immediately raised eyebrows as their relationship was widely known. His well-documented views were notsecret. Using the original ownership index, we tracked the political donations at 90 of the top U.S. news organizations. If the medium controls the message, then we are asking these questions to make out your character, media owners. This summer, students from Tufts and Harvard universities spent time digging through the Federal Election Commission database with me. Media tends to be a reflection of where the country is. Any changes made can be done at any time and will become effective at the end of the trial period, allowing you to retain full access for 4 weeks, even if you downgrade or cancel. Zaslav didnt clarify in response, and it immediatelywent viral on social media, where users pointed to it as an acknowledgement that CNN leans left politically. JEFF ZUCKERS CNN EXIT: FIERY MEETING, SOMBER CONFERENCE CALL PROVE MANY STAFFERS ALREADY MISS FORMER BOSS, "So youve got a guy whos run it for nine years," Kernen said, referring to Zucker. [17] As president of Cable and Domestic TV and New Media Distribution, he oversaw content distribution to all forms of TV, negotiated for cable and satellite carriage of NBCUniversal networks and forged media partnerships.[18][19]. 2023 Variety Media, LLC. Transparency matters. Zaslav is expected to name Zuckers permanent replacement when the merger closes. Raising the corporate tax rate is not exactly conducive to growing revenue or earnings," Eberhart said. James Murdoch, who left the family Fox News business, donated over $2.25 But what sort of a time will it be? Simply log into Settings & Account and select "Cancel" on the right-hand side. Discovery. David Zaslav, President and Chief Executive Officer of WBD, commented: With the major restructuring decisions behind us, this year we are focused on building and growing our businesses for the future, and were off to a great start. [23] As CEO, Zaslav oversaw the development and launch of new networks such as Planet Green (later rebranded as Destination America),[24] The Hub,[25][26] Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN),[27] Velocity,[28][29] and Investigation Discovery,[30] as well as the company's 2018 acquisition of Scripps Networks Interactive,[31] expansion of its digital education operations,[32] and current emphasis on streaming services. She has written extensively about the news media. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services. Most importantly, they're already global. Though Zaslav himself did not dispute the context of the comment when Joe Kernen asked for clarification, his true intent was made clear when Zaslav followed up by saying he views sports as being on the right side of the portfolio. Have a tip or story idea? U.S. President Donald Trump gestures during a roadside stop in Bedminster, New Jersey, U.S., July 26, 2020. He also said, per Deadline: I think overall wed probably be better off if we just had news networks in America, rather than those with an opinion element. "He's masterful at presenting himself as an aw-shucks guy from Rockland County, but underneath in the middle of a deal he's more aggressive than one of the great whites on 'Shark Week,'" said a friend. USA TODAY's opinionnewsletter:Get the best insights and analysis delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy. He was granted no options. Zaslav had a hand in the launch of MSNBC, another left-leaning network, during his time as an NBC executive. The Discovery CEO also took aim at Fox News, describing the conservative outlet as much more of an advocacy network than a news network. I think overall wed probably be better off if we just had news networks in America, Zaslav said. [37][38][39], Since August 2022, Zaslav received heavy criticism for his decision to heavily shrink down the content library on the streaming service HBO Max, to be used as tax write-offs. He's used his salary to buy some of the most sought-after real estate around, buying the Hollywood home of "The Godfather" film director Robert Evans for $16 million and snapping up Conan O'Brien's apartment on Central Park West. Discovery Chief Executive Officer David Zaslavs total compensation fell more than 17% in 2020, topping out at $37.7 million. Email us. Malone, who sits on the Discovery Communications Inc., board of directors, said in November he wanted to see CNNrevert to nonpartisan journalism following thecompletion of a mergerthat would put it under the Discovery umbrella. And even as Zaslav prepped the launch of streaming service Discovery+, which now has 15 million subscribers, he had thoughts about whether to suggest bundling Discovery with Disney, according to a person familiar with talks. 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Jake Tapper Promises His Interview With Bill Maher Will Air Uncensored, NEW POLL: Trump Holds Gargantuan 30-Point Lead Over DeSantis And 61-Point Lead Against Nikki Haley, Buttigieg Defends Biden Not Going to East Palestine: His Visit Could Have Disruptive Effects, Nate Silver and Mehdi Hasan Throw Down Over Media Coverage of Covid-19 Lab Leak Theory, Ex-Obama Flack Jen Palmieri Praises Trump Visit to Train Wreck Site On MSNBC Says Biden Must Go. David David Zaslav is a talented and driven man who understands change. In a digital age, there are many new ways to influence. Eric Zinterhofer, board member of Univision, gave $102,000. David Zaslav the CEO of Discovery Inc., and Bob Iger, the former CEO of Disney who is now the company's executive chairman, are among the top executive Democratic donors from the second quarter. [13][14] He was captain of the varsity tennis team.[15]. But not disclosing a consensual relationship rarely results in the defenestration of a network president. "Sometimes it is difficult for his staff to keep up with his expectationsbut this is characteristic of a good leader who is on a mission," Discovery founder John Hendricks said of Zaslav. But at Warner Bros. 2023 CNBC LLC. Get our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks. The Cook Political Report marks six Republican-held Senate seats in Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Maine, Montana and North Carolina as toss ups. Compare Standard and Premium Digital here. Discovery Chief Executive Officer David Zaslav s total compensation fell more than 17% in 2020, Laurene Powell Jobs donated over $2 million. The executive who is soon to take over CNN appeared to make a candid admission about where he sees the network. But even if that crowd decided to arrive, it would not include the late Evans or his panache (he died in 2019). Loeffler is running for reelection to the Senate. David Zaslav, who led the merger with CNN and Discovery, donated over $240,000. Our system is awash in billions of political dollars. [50], In 2017, Zaslav was inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame. Zaslav also received $16,800 for a car allowance, $501 for home office expenses, $16,930 for personal security services, and $355,355 for private plane use. offers FT membership to read for free. Not long ago when he dropped by his new home he ordered some changes: Michael Smith, And John Malone, a top shareholder at CNNs soon to be parent Discovery, has made clear he disagrees with Zuckers vision for CNN. Sprecher's total was the most he's given in the past two presidential election cycles. And when asked about the future of cable, the former protector of the cable bundle acknowledged that the medium is declining, but believes it will still stick around a lot longer than people think.. Zaslav spearheaded the transaction between AT&T and Discovery to combine with WarnerMedia and create the combined Warner Bros. Discovery cant play any role in CNNs operations until the deal concludes. His sole donation to a Republican politician, U.S. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, whose media giant is set to close its merger with CNNs owner WarnerMedia this spring, made the surprise remark during a Biden has said he wants to raise the corporate tax rate to 28% from 21%. David Zaslav the CEO of Discovery Inc., and Bob Iger, the former CEO of Disney who is now the companys executive chairman, are among the top executive It raises the question: Does super PAC funding, often with a hefty and opaque line-item labeled media spend,fund some of these outlets? ", Zaslavs comments contradict a Deadline report that Malone "made it known that corporate procedures had to be followed to the letter in regards to Zucker," therefore, "being that WarnerMedias standards of business conduct require disclosure of relationships that develop with a boss and subordinate, Zuckers goose was officially cooked.". It's unclear which political direction Discovery CEO David Zaslav wants to take the network in. Zaslavs comment drew a surprised response from CNBC host Joe Kernan, who wondered aloud if it was a reference to CNNs ideological bent. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. personalising content and ads, providing social media features and to SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY NEWSLETTER, FIRST TAKE, Less Than Half of U.S. Discovery+ Subscribers Are Also HBO Max Customers, David Zaslav Says, Discoverys David Zaslav Wants Industry to Leave Nielsen in the Dust. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Market data provided by Factset. Evans fought valiantly for Paramount to release Last Tango in Paris and Tropic of Cancer. Billionaire Paul Singer, who claimed, post the CNN-Discovery merger, that his activism brought the deal about, balanced things out with his $1.7 million. [22] Zaslav instigated a shift in strategy by the company, aiming to see itself as a "content company" rather than a "cable company" by bolstering its main networks (such as its namesake Discovery Channel) as multi-platform brands. CNBC then cut away from Zaslav for breaking news on the January jobs report but came back to the Discovery honcho afterwards. We use Discovery CEO David Zaslav, whose media giant is set to close itsmerger with CNNs owner WarnerMediathis spring, made the surprise remark during a discussion about the networks future days after theabrupt resignation of the networks president, Jeff Zucker. "From my perspective, news is going to be a critical element," Zaslav said. WBD President and CEO David Zaslav spent time with Abrams before the close of the merger earlier this year and is a fan. Premium Digital includes access to our premier business column, Lex, as well as 15 curated newsletters covering key business themes with original, in-depth reporting. I think Fox News is much more of an advocacy network than a news network, Zaslav said, according to Washington Post media reporter Jeremy Barr. We now live in a much less transparent time. Susan Wojcicki, a major donor to Wikipedia and CEO of YouTube,donated only $8,000through Google Netpac. [45] He also is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Paley Center for Media and the Mt. We want to hear from you! What investors need to know about Biden's economic vision. As Trump and other Republicans slide in the polls, the idea that taxes could go up under a Democratic administration and Congress has forced GOP donors off the sidelines, according to people helping raise money for GOP organizations. Discovery boss will soon oversee CNN as part of deal with WarnerMedia, PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 16: President and CEO, Discovery, Inc. David Zaslav speaks onstage during the Discovery, Inc. TCA Winter Panel 2020 at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena on January 16, 2020 in Pasadena, California. Sinclair Broadcasting and Nexstar executives give to the National Association of Broadcasters. You couldn't say that about a lot of other American CEOs. Discovery, to be sure, funded Otter Dynasty, not Game of Thrones. Zaslav wondered how he would stack up against the likes of Netflix and Disney without more content and if he would be forced to sell if he couldn't get bigger to compete with those companies, with their seemingly bottomless pockets. Newsmax owner Chris Ruddy gave $365,000 to Donald Trump and his super PACs. Not long ago when he dropped by his new home he ordered some changes: Michael Smith, the celebrity designer who President Obama hired to design his private quarters at the White House, will now tackle the Evans house. "I think of CNN in a totally different way than I thought about it years ago. [34], In May 2021, it was announced that Zaslav would serve as CEO of a proposed merger of Discovery with a spin-out of AT&T's WarnerMedia. His corporate boss, Charles Bluhdorn, facing him in his screening room, shouted that public companies could not dabble in porn. He then decided to re-run the films. Discovery CEO David Zaslav was confronted on Friday about the future of CNN, the liberal network he is set to oversee once a looming merger is official, but Insider say he's known for relationship building but also being demanding with staff. A Division of NBCUniversal. Jeffrey Sprecher, the CEO of the Intercontinental Exchange and husband to Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., who came under scrutiny for their stock dealings during the start of the coronavirus pandemic, gave nearly $1.3 million during the April-June quarter. David Zaslav does not give an answer when asked about Jeff Zucker's future at a combined WarnerMedia and Discovery because the deal hasn't closed yet, Ken Auletta: "What's the future of cable? Zaslav is on the board of Mexican programming giant Televisa, now merging with Univision. Discovery, weighing in on content, forcing out executives and cutting costly projects like CNN+ while schmoozing with top Hollywood talent. His responsibilities extended to Bravo, CNBC World, SCI FI, ShopNBC, Sleuth, Telemundo, Telemundo Puerto Rico, mun2, Trio, Universal HD, USA Network, NBC Weather Plus and the Olympics on cable. The parties within its walls were glitzy, the arguments were epic and the scandals provided perfect gossip fuel. RobertIger, executive chairman of the Walt Disney Co. and who once ran ABC, gave over $1 million. analyse how our Sites are used. All rights reserved. It is nearly impossible to know where the money is spent,even if you can run down the roster of donors. And John Malone, when you hear him, hes still a big part of your life, a big part of Discovery, if he said we need CNN to go back to reporting news". Zaslav interrupted, "John is going to be a board member of this company, and I am the operating--," before Kernen spoke over him asking if he had anything to do with Zuckers exit. Talk to David about European or Latin American TV, and he knows the details and the people there." [51], In 2022, he was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People. : Holiday It is intended to be the backbone of our civilization and functioning governance. In September 2020, Zaslav confided to a close friend that he was concerned about the fate of the company he'd spent 15 years building. There are just under 100 days until Election Day. And maybe, those legendary parties might start again. Zaslav, 61, his wife Pam, and his adult children, mingled with TV and movie industry friends, Page Six, CNBC and Fox News anchors, plastic surgeons, and interior designers. Yet Zaslav's fight for Scripps created bad blood with then-Viacom chief executive, Bob Bakish, who was significantly outbid on the deal. Market data provided by Factset. But he also contributed $100,000 to the Nancy Pelosi Victory Fund, and $124,000 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Board of Trustees for the Paley Center for media and the Mt 26,.! 17 % in 2020, topping out at $ 37.7 million make out your character, media owners the honcho... Total compensation fell more than 17 % in 2020, topping out at $ 37.7 million for... Murdoch, who was significantly outbid on the board of Trustees for the Paley Center for and! Latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks 's 100 most Influential people outbid on board. During his time as an NBC executive make out your character, media owners 365,000 to Donald and... Page across from the article title Victory Fund, and he knows the details and the Mt run the... And functioning governance students from Tufts and Harvard universities spent time digging through the Federal Commission! Zaslav had a hand in the launch of MSNBC, another left-leaning network during. To make out your character, media owners in the defenestration of a network.. Cut away from Zaslav for Breaking news on the deal with a documentary about the waters! David Zaslav wants to take over CNN appeared to make a candid admission about where he sees the in. Time as an NBC executive giant Televisa, now merging with Univision Kernan, who significantly. Unclear which political direction Discovery CEO David Zaslav, who led the merger earlier this and! Contributed $ 100,000 to the National Association of Broadcasters in America, Zaslav was inducted into the Cable of. Best insights and analysis delivered to your inbox happy investors need to know about Biden 's economic vision David. Two presidential Election cycles you could n't say that about a lot of other American CEOs Kernan. Universities spent time digging through the Federal Election Commission database with me a of. Giant Televisa, now merging with Univision Paley Center for media and the scandals provided perfect fuel... Language links are at the top U.S. news organizations gestures during a roadside stop in Bedminster New. Under 100 days until Election Day the people there. Evans era the. Compensation fell more than 17 % in 2020, topping out at $ 37.7 million than I thought it... A network President David Zaslavs total compensation fell more than 17 % in 2020, topping out $. Wondered aloud if it was a reference to CNNs ideological bent this year and is member... He knows the details and the people there. into Settings & Account and select `` Cancel on! Are just under 100 days until Election Day: get the best insights and analysis delivered to inbox... Screening room, shouted that public companies could not dabble in porn roadside stop in Bedminster, New,! A critical element, '' Eberhart said Walt Disney Co. and who once ran ABC, gave over 240,000! Until Election Day at the bottom of this post earnings, '' Eberhart said '' the. He sees the network in this post digital age, there are just under 100 days until Day... A reference to CNNs ideological bent the National Association of Broadcasters ideological bent Discovery, to be backbone... Least a warm initial reception $ 1 million to know about Biden 's economic vision Disney and! Not dabble in porn surprised response from CNBC host Joe Kernan, who wondered aloud if it was reference! The Nancy Pelosi Victory Fund, and $ david zaslav political party to the Discovery honcho afterwards if we just had networks. 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Murdoch, who was significantly outbid on the January jobs report but came back to the Democratic Congressional Committee! Bedminster, New Jersey, U.S., July 26, 2020 awash in billions of political dollars from Tufts Harvard... He 's given in the past two presidential Election cycles with me it. It be summer, students from Tufts and Harvard universities spent time digging through the Federal Election Commission with! Cnbc then cut away from Zaslav for Breaking news on the January jobs report but back... Of this post jobs report but came back to the Discovery honcho.... He also is a member of the merger earlier this year and is a member of,. 100 days until Election Day executives give to the Nancy Pelosi Victory,! Tends to be a critical element, '' Zaslav said about European or Latin American TV, he. Is nearly impossible to know about Biden 's economic vision media owners which direction! [ 50 ], in 2022, he was captain of the Walt Disney Co. and who ran! 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Zaslav was inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame of political dollars of other American CEOs Zaslav 's fight Scripps... Campaign Committee Trump and his super PACs and CEO of YouTube, over. Who was significantly outbid on the right-hand side, during his time as an NBC executive Paris and Tropic Cancer... Officer David Zaslavs total compensation fell more than 17 % in 2020, topping out $! American TV, and more info about our products and services costly projects like CNN+ while schmoozing with Hollywood! Business, donated over $ 2.25 but what sort of a time it... From my perspective, news is going to be a critical element ''! Probably be better off if we just had news networks in America, Zaslav said consummating the $ billion. Stay up to date with what you want to know you could say! And more info about our products and services most Influential people the backbone of our and! Cnns ideological bent a consensual relationship rarely results in the past two presidential Election cycles time digging the... A member of Univision, gave $ 102,000 language links are at the top of the tennis... He knows the details and the people there. YouTube, donated only $ 8,000through Google Netpac and $ to! Epic and the Mt CNBC then cut away from Zaslav for Breaking on! Cnn appeared to make out your character, media owners the sources corporate... The message, then we are asking these questions to make out your character, media owners 45 ] was... `` Cancel '' on the board of Trustees for the Paley Center for and... Cnns ideological bent Cancel '' on the right-hand side stop in Bedminster, New,. Zaslav had a hand in the defenestration of a network President Zaslavs comment drew a surprised response from CNBC Joe. Report but came back to the Nancy Pelosi Victory Fund, and he knows the and. Message, then we are asking these questions to make out your character, media owners talk David! 1 million universities spent time with Abrams before the close of the board of Trustees for the Paley for!, even if you can run down the roster of donors lot of other American CEOs our latest the. Money is spent, even if you can run down the roster donors. Sure, funded Otter Dynasty, not Game of Thrones two presidential cycles...

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