CNN: Head of news network to step down (original) (raw)

NEW YORK — AOL Time Warner Inc. said Monday that Walter Isaacson, the head of its 24-hour news network CNN, was resigning.

A former Time magazine executive, Isaacson is leaving to become head of the Aspen Institute, which tries to involve world leaders in solving global problems.

Isaacson guided CNN through Sept. 11 coverage only two months after taking the job and helped establish prime-time shows with Connie Chung and Aaron Brown.

But a year ago, Fox News Channel eclipsed CNN in the ratings with its blend of news and political talk, and CNN hasn’t recovered. The network recently announced that several correspondents were leaving as part of a continued shake-up.

Isaacson described the Aspen Institute post as a “dream job,” CNN spokeswoman Christa Robinson said.

Originally Published: January 14, 2003 at 1:00 AM CST