Jim Walton’s memo to CNN on the promotion of Susan Bunda…

To: CNN Staff
From: Jim Walton

I’m pleased to share with you news of a senior-level appointment that recognizes a colleague’s unique contributions to CNN’s success and challenges her to focus her talents and experience on an important new assignment. Effective today, Sue Bunda assumes wide-ranging duties as executive vice president of content development and strategy for CNN Worldwide, furthering and providing leadership in our continuing integration of television and the Web. As reflected in her newly created title, Sue’s primary influence will be in show and program creation, including talent recruitment; and in leveraging the whole of CNN to enhance our viewer ship and business results.

In addition to developing content for our platforms and combining people, projects and resources in smart, efficient ways, Sue also will work with CNN Research to deepen our understanding of and relationship with consumers. She will form and lead a member services team focused on fostering and studying communities of CNN users. And I’ve asked her to lend strategic oversight to CNN’s charitable outreach. She will report to me as a member of the CNN executive team, and will continue to provide valued counsel and perspective to Jon, Ken, Susan, Rick, Tony, Jonathan and Greg, and to her colleagues throughout the organization.

That’s her starting point. I expect that in the process of carving out her new role, Sue will lead us toward a better model for collaboration, find new ways to leverage our individual and collective talents, make us smarter about the people we serve and help drive the continuous improvement that is both our signature and opportunity. She’s the ideal person for this assignment. Now in her 20th year at CNN, Sue has risen through our ranks to become an accomplished and respected news executive. I know she’s gratified to be working with the best journalists and news professionals in the business, and is counting on your support.

Sue’s promotion means changes to the CNN newsroom management structure, which we’ll address shortly. For now, please join me in congratulating Sue and wishing her well.