MUMBAI: Jim Walton has told US news broadcaster CNN that he will step down as of CNN Worldwide president at the end of this year. He will, however, continue in his current role until that time.

Jim?s decision has the support and respect of Turner Broadcasting CEO Phil Kent as he leads the search for Walton?s successor.

Walton?s note to staff reads: "After more than 30 years at this company and nearly 10 years as the leader of this great news organisation, I have decided to leave my role at CNN on 31 December 2012. For some time, I?ve been talking with Phil Kent about wanting to make a change, and he supports my decision. I?ve told Phil that I will cooperate with any transition timeline that he and Time Warner want to implement. Phil requested that I work out the year and be available after that if needed, which I?ve agreed to do."

"I am proud of what we have accomplished together over these last 10 years ? innovative programming, the development of great talent in front of and behind the cameras, expansion in digital and mobile, significant investment and expansion in international coverage, financial success and, most importantly, great and trusted journalism.

"CNN needs new thinking. That starts with a new leader who brings a different perspective, different experiences and a new plan, one who will build on our great foundation and will commit to seeing it through. And I?m ready for a change. I have interests to explore and I want to give myself time to do it.

The next few months will be filled with election news and other important events.

Time Warner chairman, CEO Jeff Bewkes said, "When Jim Walton assumed the presidency of CNN in 2003, it was underperforming and earnings were in serious decline. Since then, he and CNN have tripled earnings, doubled margin and delivered annual growth of 15 per cent. In his nearly 31 years of uninterrupted and distinguished service to CNN, Jim has been instrumental in growing the business into the financial powerhouse it has become, while establishing the brand as the worldwide leader for television news."

MUMBAI: International television executive Gerhard Zeiler will join Turner Broadcasting System International, the company?s global portfolio of branded television networks and related businesses, as president.

Prior to this, Zeiler served as the CEO of RTL Group, a division of Bertelsmann AG and Europe?s largest television production and broadcast company.

In his new role, Zeiler will have executive oversight for all entertainment and kids networks and media services offered outside of North America; the distribution and commercial operations of CNN?s international services; all of Turner Broadcasting?s international joint ventures; and all licensing and merchandising activity.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. chairman and CEO Phil Kent said, ?We are delighted that Gerhard is joining us and look forward to the leadership, perspective and wealth of international television experience he will bring to one of the most successful and most strategically important areas of our company. His programming success; entrepreneurial experience within a big company; ability to run multiple lines of business; deep understanding of the digital landscape and opportunity; relationships across the media landscape; and passion for the television business are a strong addition to our executive committee and the company overall. We all look forward to working with him to extend our core brands, target and develop new markets and build scale around the world.?

Zeiler, who will report to Kent, will lead a 3,800-person division across Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

Zeiler said, ?As a longtime observer of Turner?s networks, I am keenly aware of their strength with consumers and the company?s profile in the international business community. This move is an opportunity to help grow some of the most valuable media brands in the world and develop new businesses alongside people I admire, like Phil and colleagues across Time Warner I have known and worked with over the years. This is an exciting time for our industry and for Turner Broadcasting, and I believe in our ability to lead and succeed.?

As RTL CEO, Zeiler was a member of the executive board of Bertelsmann AG. Under his leadership, RTL expanded its international television footprint across Western Europe and into Croatia; brought the hit shows American Idol and America?s Got Talent to the U.S. market; and grew its holdings to 41 channels and 34 radio stations in 10 countries.

He started his career as a journalist and later spokesman for two Austrian Chancellors. After serving as secretary general of Austria?s public broadcaster, ORF, he became CEO of Tele 5. He returned to his native Austria to lead the ORF as Director General. In 1998 Zeiler was named CEO of RTL.

Among his many professional honours, Zeiler is the first non-American to receive the prestigious Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award from NATPE. In 2004, he was named Media Personality of the Year at Mipcom in Cannes.

MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting System chairman, CEO Phil Kent will be the opening morning keynote speaker at Natpe |Content First, the US based marketplace for buyers and sellers.

The announcement was made by Natpe president, CEO Rick Feldman. Natpe will take place at Miami Beach from 23 - 25 January 2011 at the Fontainebleau Resort, bringing together industry professionals from around the world to conduct business, identify new opportunities and discuss new models for the future.

Feldman said, "Phil has a broad portfolio. Because of all the content that Turner creates and distributes here and around the world, Phil is in a unique position from which to view the present and the future. He can speak to the creative and business challenges and can also speak to the vast global, multiplatform opportunities which are dramatically changing our business."

Kent oversees a portfolio of domestic and international news, entertainment and animation, young adult and kids networks and businesses including CNN/US, CNN International, CNN.com and HLN; TBS, TNT, Turner Classic Movies and truTV; Cartoon Network, and Adult Swim; and Turner Sports.