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David Bohrman has been named president of Current TV, effective immediately.
The CNN, ABC and NBC vet will oversee the network’s new programming division.
Bohrman was instrumental in CNN’s election coverage — conceiving John King’s “magic wall” and various social media initiatives. He’ll lead election coverage at Current, which has been a priority for the network since bringing Keith Olbermann onboard.
Bohrman will work closely with Olbermann as well as network co-founders Joel Hyatt and former Vice President Al Gore. He’ll relocate from Washington, D.C. and will be based in New York — where Olbermann’s Countdown shoots — as well as Current corporate headquarters in San Francisco.
VIDEO: Keith Olbermann’s Famous Feuds
“Current’s mission has always been to shine a light on important issues, to spark debate and to speak truth to power. Earlier this year, we advanced this mission when we brought Keith Olbermann to Current and clearly stated our intent to be a truly independent, conflict-free, progressive voice in the news and political commentary arena,” Gore said in a statement. “David Bohrman passionately shares our vision. He has innovation in his DNA, and he has the unique qualifications and relationships to take Current to a whole new level in programming and production. I very much admire David’s excellent work, his integrity, his drive and his consistent track record of innovation. He will be a tremendous leader for Current, and Joel and I are proud to have David join us in this exciting venture.”
STORY: Keith Olbermann Breaks Silence On MSNBC Exit; Could Earn $100M at Current TV
For the past decade, Bohrman was CNN’s senior vice president of programming and Washington, D.C. bureau chief. And in May of this year, he became CNN’s senior vp and chief innovation officer.
“Re-defining media in a world of consolidation requires some game-changing measures,” says Hyatt. “Having Keith Olbermann join Current was a game-changer. When we sought world-class leadership in the programming, production and digital areas, David Bohrman’s name came up time and again. Al and I believe that society needs, and audiences want, programming that delivers more than sound bites. People want an explanation, they want context, they want understanding. And they want tools that will get them engaged in making a difference about issues they care about. David is highly skilled in bringing information and clear-eyed analysis on important matters to multiple screens. And no one can touch David when it comes to developing innovative ways to tap the zeitgeist and get audiences immersed and involved.”
“There has been a profound change in the media landscape in terms of what’s being covered, how it’s being covered and how audiences want to consume it,” adds Bohrman. “Those of us inside the media business have a responsibility to anticipate what viewers want and need, and we must constantly reinvent the medium. Today more than ever, I think audiences demand intelligent discourse instead of shouting. They want a way to be part of the discourse instead of being passive outsiders. I have been watching what Al and Joel and Keith have been doing at Current, and I believe that Current has a real opportunity to be a truly vital medium for a new breed of savvy, intelligent viewers. I’m extremely energized and inspired by this opportunity to work with them to establish Current as a significant and influential voice in the news and political commentary arena.”
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