On today’s episode of “Daily Variety” podcast, CNBC president KC Sullivan discusses the channel’s evolution following the Versant Media spinoff. The preeminent financial news network is transforming from a business rooted in linear cable to multiplatform digital. “We’re very much on offense,” Sullivan told Variety during last week’s Cannes Lions festival.
Sullivan, who has logged 17 years with CNBC and has held the top job since 2022, addressed the big issue that was on everyone’s lips at the festival: AI and the business disruption that is affecting every sector. For CNBC, that’s a big opportunity and also a challenge.
“Disruption is everywhere. And I think it’s an opportunity from an editorial coverage perspective. The amount of news flow is massive, whether it’s the intersection between Washington and Wall Street and business or AI disruption that’s disrupting all industries. The amount of content is massive, but also for our business and our ability to differentiate the content we have,” Sullivan says. “There’s a massive amount of commoditized content that’s out there. But I think for trusted brands that are delivering differentiated content, which is what we think about every day, that’s more and more important. We’re focusing on making sure we get our content to our audience how and where they want that. Because in years past there were only a few places where [CNBC] content was consumed. Now there’s been huge fragmentation of consumption. So you need to make sure that the content is getting delivered where and how that the audience wants it.”
