But the hunger for information has only grown. Now, consumers want their news to be instant, mobile and interactive.
As a result, CNN is forced to redefine itself in the television and digital news realms. CNN Worldwide’s vice president and managing editor Mark Whitaker is facing that challenge on a daily basis.
Whitaker, who joined CNN Worldwide in 2011, will share his experiences and expertise with students at “West Virginia University”: on Monday, Nov. 14. His presentation, “Covering the World 24/7: CNN’s Role in a Changing Media Industry,” is sponsored by the P.I. Reed School of Journalism’s Emory “Pete” Sasser Lectureship in Journalism. WVU’s Center for Black Culture and Research is also sponsoring the event. The public lecture will be at 7:30 p.m. in 202 Brooks Hall.
In his current role at CNN, Whitaker is responsible for leading editorial coverage across CNN’s multiple platforms and directing the overall approach, tone and scope of CNN’s reporting.
Prior to joining CNN, Whitaker served as senior vice president and Washington bureau chief for NBC News, succeeding the late Tim Russert. In that role, he was responsible for Washington-based programming for NBC and MSNBC, including “Meet the Press” and the network’s political coverage.
Before joining NBC in May 2007, Whitaker was vice president and editor-in-chief of new ventures in the digital division of The Washington Post Company. He was editor of Newsweek from 1998 to 2006, during which time the magazine won more top editorial awards and nominations than at any other time in its history, including four National Magazine Awards for coverage of the attacks of September 11, the Iraq War, the Monica Lewinsky scandal and the 2004 elections. As editor, Whitaker redesigned Newsweek to emphasize in-depth reporting and diversified opinion columns.
Whitaker joined Newsweek in 1981 and wrote and reported for the International section, covering such major stories as the conflicts in Central America, the Soviet Union and the Middle East. He served as business editor from 1987 to 1991, directing coverage of stories including the stock-market crash and the S&L crisis.
In addition to his work in the newsroom, Whitaker is also an author. His book, “My Long Trip Home: A Family Memoir,” was released this month. Whitaker will have a book sale and signing immediately following his presentation.