CNN Reviews

Cons

work in a 24/7 shift shop

Cons

Tough to move up or laterally for most, lack of women leaders who have true work-life balance, jealous and petty colleagues who will sabotage and bosses afraid to correct this or protect smart people. International side needs more diverse Americans, and upper management seems too British -BBC of a culture, hiring mostly from the UK, and senior CNNUSA management too busy dealing with their issues to truly speak up and make a change, or promote from within.

Cons

Not a lot of work/life balance

Cons

I've been a newsroom manager for many years, but wasn't in my position at CNN. There are some AMAZING colleagues, and some managers I wouldn't hire to be an intern.

Managers are OFTEN promoted from very limited career experiences (sometimes solely at CNN), and it shows. These managers who've never worked at another news organization, are often petty, weak leaders, sometimes even after being sent to Poynter's Leadership Academy or other leadership training.

Rather than look at each employee's strengths and weaknesses, management behavior largely depends on current mood, and whether the direct report is in a particular clique. I've seen MANY quality people pushed out because of a personality conflict between themselves and a direct report, when a good manager would work to resolve the issue and regain the quality work from that employee.

I saw colleagues who were treated horribly for the most ridiculous reasons, often outside their control. I also saw managers give direction to all direct reports, then give opposing direction to someone whose life they simply want to make more difficult, or even to push a particular person to resign.

I walked out that door with a promise...to NEVER subject myself to such an unhealthy environment again. You may end up with a good manager, but they are few in that newsroom.

Don't make the mistake of thinking you can leave stressors at the door of the CNN newsroom . Work life at CNN will ABSOLUTELY bleed over into your personal life. That's an unfortunate promise I'm now qualified to make.

Cons

Impending AT&T deal has employees wondering if drastic changes are on the horizon. The 24/7 schedule is grueling and life-draining after a couple of years. You get a little more PTO than other companies for the grueling schedule, but you'll be frustrated trying to get it approved when it comes time to ask. If you're asked to move to Atlanta for work, it's a love it or hate it sort of city. You're generally expected to do your job and the job of at least 3 other people often.

Cons

- the work grind can get frustrating over time
- depending on your department, promotions can take a long time

Cons

A thank you instead of obsessing over the clock would be appreciated.
You're paid for being present, not your expertise or skill.
Work-life balance can be difficult. Schedules change frequently. While there are some truly great managers, far too many are inept, incompetent, or just petty micromanagers.
Certain technical areas are managed by people with no understanding of the job. As such, expectations are weird or just absurd.

Cons

extremely limited opps for career advancement at mid to senior level.

Cons

Industry in inherently in the midst of change. Lay offs seem to to occur often.

Cons

24/7, hard to take off, not much work-life balance