Former NBC chief to head CNN Time Warner named Jeff Zucker the new president of CNN Worldwide, tapping a veteran television news executive to reinvent the international cable news enterprise. Mr Zucker takes the reins at CNN amid vast turmoil over the role for the once-pioneering 24-hour cable news network in today's rapidly changing news environment. As viewers increasingly get their news via the web and social media, and competitors focus on partisan political commentary, CNN is searching for a new direction. CNN, like all legacy news businesses, faces the challenge of the way consumers get their news and information. Clearly, CNN is the global news brand that was there first," Mr Zucker said during a conference call on Thursday. The challenge is how to make that relevant, vibrant and exciting in a world where consumers are getting their information in real time. Setting the network on the right path has posed a continued challenge for Time Warner. Despite record ratings during the US election and other dramatic news events, CNN's domestic network has struggled. CNN has trailed its US rivals Fox News and MSNBC in primetime viewership since 2010, according to Pew Research, and this summer registered its worst domestic primetime ratings in 20 years. "CNN can do a better job of tracking and retaining audience when news isn't breaking," Jeff Bewkes, Time Warner chief executive, said during a conference call this month. To be sure, CNN's business is strong, bolstered by its international network. CNN should generate more than $600m in earnings this year, which would be a record for the network, Mr Bewkes told shareholders earlier this year. "We are excited by the clear vision, strong leadership and deep experience [Mr Zucker] will bring to the role," Mr Bewkes said in a statement. Mr Zucker started his 25-year career at US broadcaster NBC as a researcher for the network's coverage of the 1988 Olympic Games. He went on to work as executive producer for NBC's Today morning show when it ranked as the most watched and most profitable programme on television in the US. He then quickly rose through the ranks, becoming chief executive of NBCUniversal. In that role, he was responsible for both its news and entertainment divisions. He left NBCUniversal when Comcast took over control of the media company. The incoming president, who starts in January, succeeds Jim Walton. Mr Walton announced in July that he would step down from post at the end of the year. "CNN needs new thinking," Mr Walton said in a note to staff, announcing his departure in July. That starts with a new leader who brings a different perspective, different experiences and a new plan. Mr Zucker on Thursday did not discuss specific plans for the news enterprise but noted that the key for CNN was that it remained "true to its standards of great journalism and at the same time be vibrant and exciting."