New roles: More than two years after her return to CNN, Alex MacCallum is taking on additional duties as she was named the news network’s chief operating officer. In a memo to staffers obtained by TVNewser, CNN CEO Mark Thompson said MacCallum’s promotion comes as she has “already achieved an impressive set of critical accomplishments in record time.”

MacCallum was previously CNN’s executive vice president of digital products and services, tasked with spearheading CNN’s suite of digital products, which includes the launch of its All Access subscription product, the CNN Express FAST channel, and the network’s upcoming weather service.

In her new role, MacCallum, who fills the role vacated by David Leavy, will continue to oversee the network’s product and digital revenue/operations group, as well as non-editorial departments including group strategy, operations, mission-driven project work, and strategic partnerships and business development. 

CNN also announced this week that Patrick Svitek is joining the network as a Washington, D.C.-based reporter. Joining from The Washington Post, Svitek will be part of CNN’s political team with his coverage focusing on the 2026 midterm races, major political trends, and the 2028 presidential contest.

CNN announced @patricksvitek is joining the network’s politics team as a reporter. Welcome to CNN!

MORE: https://t.co/x9GWHalDrR pic.twitter.com/PGIncmITvW

— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) April 9, 2026

Also joining CNN is Carolina Peguero as CNN en Español news correspondent based in Miami. Peguero will cover South Florida, where economic and immigration policies under the Trump administration continue to shape the region. She was previously a news anchor at TelevisaUnivision, contributing to both linear and streaming programming of Noticias Univision 24/7 on the digital news platform, VIX.

New appointments: ABC News announced that Leslie Lopez will be the news outlet’s New York-based meteorologist, beginning Friday, April 10. Lopez, who joins from KABC-TV, ABC’s O&O affiliate in Los Angeles, will work closely with ABC News’ team of meteorologists, including Ginger Zee, Sam Champion, Lee Goldberg, Somara Theodore, and the ABC News Weather, Climate & Science Unit across the ABC News Group for all programs and platforms.

Leslie Lopez Named ABC News Meteorologist https://t.co/rYQrHpEDH3 pic.twitter.com/ZORpMxyII3

— ABC News PR (@ABCNewsPR) April 7, 2026

ABC News also named Jon Schlosberg the new executive producer of This Week with George Stephanopoulos. Reporting to ABC News Washington bureau chief Rick Klein, Schlosberg will lead all aspects of the Sunday public affairs program, including providing management and editorial leadership. He will also oversee the program’s signature branded content and relevant special programming across the ABC network, Disney+, Hulu, and ABC News Live. Based in Washington, D.C., Schlosberg joins ABC News from the ABC O&O affiliate KGO-TV in San Francisco, where he was a producer. He begins his new assignment on May 6.

Jon Schlosberg Named Executive Producer of ABC News’ ‘This Week with George Stephanopoulos’ https://t.co/Gyjh7n8AJh pic.twitter.com/hLIBiIRqcj

— ABC News PR (@ABCNewsPR) April 9, 2026

Streaming oversight: Former ABC News New York bureau chief Joshua Hoyos is joining CBS News as the editorial director of its streaming channel CBS News 24/7. According to Business Insider, Hoyos will start with the network on Monday, April 13, and report to Robert Gifford, vp and managing editor of CBS News 24/7. Hoyos left ABC News in 2025, after it was revealed he was the subject of an HR investigation.

International assignment: CNBC announced that Justina Lee will be the business channel’s new Singapore-based reporter. Lee’s duties will include covering Asia-Pacific’s financial markets, reporting on stocks, bonds, foreign exchange, cryptocurrencies, and macroeconomics, and reacting to breaking news and advancing stories through analysis and original reporting. She was previously a breaking news earnings specialist at Bloomberg.

On-air contributors: Fox News announced that former NASA astronaut Captain Butch Wilmore has been named a contributor at the network. Wilmore will provide space-related analysis across all network platforms.

Meanwhile, MS NOW named former White House official and retired Admiral John Kirby as a national security analyst for the network. Kriby made his first appearance for the network on Tuesday’s edition of Morning Joe.

Just announced on @morningjoe-msnow.bsky.social: Former White House official and Ret. Admiral John Kirby joins
@ms.now as a National Security Analyst.

[image or embed]

— MS NOW Public Relations (@msnowcomms.bsky.social) April 7, 2026 at 7:44 AM

WPP has hired Anne-Isabelle Choueiri from The Estée Lauder Companies as chief transformation officer to help reset the business as it seeks to return to growth by 2028.

Based in New York and reporting to CEO Cindy Rose, Choueiri will be tasked with designing, implementing, and embedding the operations to execute WPP’s “Elevate28″ three-year turnaround plan. The advertising network announced its turnaround strategy in February, after it posted an 8.1% year-on-year revenue decline.

In a press release, WPP said Choueiri will lead efforts to make WPP more innovative, efficient, and better connected for clients.

She will sit on the executive committee, and key parts of her role will include baking AI and tech into WPP’s day-to-day processes, as well as working with its people team to bring staff along with the changes.

Choueiri has spent the last six years working at Estée Lauder’s parent group, most recently as SVP of transformation. While there, she shaped the beauty giant’s operating model and its marketing, data, and analytics capabilities. She also led its AI strategy.

Previously, Choueiri held leadership roles at consultancies including Accenture, Bain’s Masaï, and Kearney.

WPP described the transformation chief role as newly created. However, holdco veteran Lindsay Pattison previously held the position in 2017, subsequently becoming chief client and chief people officer, before departing in 2025.

‘Bold, lasting change’

Rose said delivering on “Elevate28” would mean transforming how WPP operates and shows up for clients, adding that Choueiri was “exactly the leader [WPP] needs to drive bold, lasting change.”

She has already started transforming the business, having joined just as its share price hit a 16-year low in September 2025. Her reset plan has been designed to stabilize the business in 2026, build momentum in 2027, and return it to growth from 2028 onwards. 

To achieve this, WPP is now oriented around four units: WPP Media, WPP Creative, WPP Production, and WPP Enterprise Solutions, across four key regions: North America, Latin America, EMEA, and APAC. This new setup is underpinned by its proprietary AI platform, WPP Open.

When she announced the plan two months ago, Rose said the sweeping restructure would deliver annual cost savings of $676 million (£500 million) and was informed by six months of “rigorous analysis” and conversations with WPP’s clients, which include Coca-Cola, Unilever, Nestle, and Ford. The holdco brought on McKinsey to lead a strategic review in November.

At the time, the CEO offered little detail on what specific cuts or asset sales would deliver this target.

While Rose declined to go into specifics about potential further layoffs, she stated that WPP would consolidate leadership at “global, regional, and market levels” and remove duplicate roles across its creative agencies. She also said the group would de-duplicate functions across its finance and people teams over the next three years.

In a statement on her new role, Choueiri said she was joining WPP at a “pivotal moment.”

“Lasting transformation requires the right culture and operational mindset, and I’m excited to help build an environment where innovation thrives, and our people are empowered to embrace change,” she said.

This is TVNewser’s basic cable network ranker and cable news report for the week of March 30, 2026.

A week that featured two major news events on the same day, live coverage of the launch of the Artemis II mission to the moon, and President Donald Trump’s primetime address to the nation, was enough to give the cable news networks a positive return in total viewers and the Adults 25-54 demo during primetime and total day.

Fox News was the most-watched cable network during Wednesday’s Artemis coverage in both measured categories and was also the most-watched network in total viewers during Trump’s address. 

Artemis II coverage (6-7 p.m. ET)
Fox News: 4 million total viewers/493,000 Adults 25-54
MS NOW: 1.406 million total viewers/172,000 Adults 25-54
CNN: 2.229 million total viewers/485,000 Adults 25-54

President Trump’s Address (9-9:30 p.m. ET)
Fox News: 6.654 million total viewers/1.002 million Adults 25-54
MS NOW: 1.910 million total viewers/265,000 Adults 25-54
CNN: 1.676 million total viewers/339,000 Adults 25-54

 NETWORKS:

According to Nielsen big data + panel for the week of March 30, Fox News averaged 2.763 million total viewers and 300,000 A25-54 viewers during primetime. The network was up +4% in total viewers and +16% in the demo compared to the week prior (the week beginning March 23). 

During total day viewing, Fox News averaged 1.726 million total viewers and 179,000 A25-54 viewers. Based on its average from the previous week’s measurements, the network was up by +1% in total viewers and +6% in the demo.

Fox News ranked first in total primetime viewership and dropped from third to fourth in demo viewership among all basic cable networks. In total day, it finished in first place in total viewers and remained in the No. 3 position in the total day demo.

MS NOW averaged 1.26 million primetime total viewers and 132,000 viewers in the primetime A25-54 demo for the week that just concluded. It was 3,000 demo viewers short of tying with CNN for second place. The network was up +8% in total viewers and +31% in the demo compared to its primetime average the week prior.

During total day, MS NOW averaged 752,000 total viewers and 82,000 demo viewers. It grew by +6% in total viewers and +17% in the demo compared to the network’s average the week prior—it was the only network with double-digit growth during the daypart.

Among all basic cable networks, MS NOW slid from third to fourth in total primetime viewers and jumped from 17th to eighth in the demo. It remained in second place in total viewers and moved from No. 9 to No. 7 in the total day demo. 

CNN averaged 810,000 total primetime viewers and 135,000 A25-54 viewers during primetime for the week of March 30. The network was up by +8% and +2% in the demo compared to the previous week. 

During total day, the network had 598,000 total viewers and 94,000 viewers in the demo. CNN saw gains of +8% in total viewers and +3% in the demo during this daypart.

Among all cable networks, CNN slid from fifth to sixth in total viewers and remained seventh in the demo during primetime. It moved up from No. 5 to No. 4 in total day among total viewers, but dropped from fifth to sixth in the demo. 

When looking at these networks’ performance during the same period a year ago:

• During primetime, Fox News was down by -1% in total viewers and -10% in the A25-54 demo. During total day, the network posted declines of -1% in total viewers and -20% in the demo—it was the only network with depreciation in this yearly comparison.
• MS NOW was up by +2% in total viewers and +17% in the demo. During total day, the network was up +7% in total viewers and +19% in the demo.
• In primetime, CNN grew by +42% in total viewers and +18% in the demo. During total day, it rose by +33% in total viewers and +24% in the demo.

PROGRAMMING:

Fox News had 13 out of the 15 spots of the most-watched cable news shows of the week, with Hannity taking the top spot with 3.787 million total viewers weeknights at 9 p.m. ET. MS NOW was represented in the chart by two programs: The Rachel Maddow Show, airing only on Mondays at 9 p.m. ET, which ranked seventh with 2.436 million total viewers, and its Wednesday airing of President Trump’s address at 9 p.m. ET, with 1.75 million total viewers in 14th place.

Hannity, which airs weeknights at 9 p.m. ET on Fox News, was also No. 1 in the Adults 25-54 demo, averaging 453,000 viewers. Fox News had 12 of the 15 top spots in the demo, with CNN’s Mission to the Moon coverage on Wednesday with 334,000 viewers in sixth place. MS NOW’s The Rachel Maddow Show, airing only on Mondays at 9 p.m. ET, finished in eighth place with 262,000 demo viewers, and MS NOW’s presidential address coverage on Wednesday night had it in 15th place with 195,000 demo viewers.

March 30, 2026 (Nielsen Big Data + Panel):

Prime Time

Total Day

Week 3-30-26 Cable Ranker P25-54 BDP by Adweek

There’s plenty of creative energy on show this week, from Zendaya’s playful dreamscape for her collaboration with sportswear brand On, to the WNBA’s throwback ahead of its 30th season.

Brands are also highlighting the importance of human connection, whether that’s Amstel drinkers gathering with friends, a grandfather coaching his grandson on his golf swing for AT&T, or Coca-Cola bringing the nation together ahead of the big 250^th anniversary. 

Our Most Effective Ad of the Week, in partnership with EDO, offers the right fit for athletes and everyday people alike.

Keep scrolling for the week’s most notable ads.

On | “Shape of Dreams” (in-house)

Zendaya stars in this Spike Jonze-directed film showcasing the actress and singer’s latest collab with the Swiss sportswear brand, a collection of co-created apparel and footwear including Parachute Pants and the Cloudnova Moon sneaker. Set inside Zendaya’s “Dream Lab,” the spot is a quirky, artful celebration of the creative process. “Working with Spike Jonze brought that vision to life in a really special way – the world he created gave it a whole new dimension,” said the Euphoria star. 

WNBA | “Season 30” by Lucky Generals

The WNBA readies itself to celebrate three decades of hoops action (the 2026 season tips off on May 8) with this integrated campaign that encompasses three documentary films, origin nights, and Season 30 branding and merch, all paying tribute to the league’s roots and legacy. This hero short stars three-time WNBA MVP Sheryl Swoopes, who advises: “Not all kids become GOATS. Because those aren’t just born. They’re raised.”

Wise | “Be Smart. Get Wise” by Ace of Hearts

An out-of-home execution, with print to follow later, is anchored around the cunning creation of four fake banks, highlighting the outdated ways of banking when compared with the bright, shiny world of fintech brand Wise. Richard Brim, co-founder and chief creative officer at Ace of Hearts, said: “The truth is, most people don’t realize there’s a better way, and even when they do, ‘the devil you know’ tends to win. Our job was to make the smarter choice feel obvious.”

Coca-Cola | “Drink in America” by WPP Open X

Teaming up with the America250 initiative, Coca-Cola has updated its 1971 “Hilltop” classic with “a reimagined anthem for the nation.” The song in question, “I’d Like to Buy America a Coke,” is a rousing, soulful slow burner, while the accompanying three-minute film features a sun-dappled cross-country snapshot of skater dudes, ranch hands, BBQ-ing families, and first hikers, all in perfect harmony. 

AT&T | “Masters” by West BBDO

With the 2026 Masters Tournament in full swing, AT&T brand ambassador Ted stars in a series celebrating human connection. From a grandpa coaching his grandson via an iPad, to impromptu phone calls encouraging nervous friends on their way to a big date, the ads highlight the joys of people power. Also look out for Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer as small business owners who co-present their own “Office Ladies” podcast, with Ted as guest.

Poppi | “Make it Poppi” by Mirimar

Jake Shane stars in this spot celebrating the soda brand as a vibe-lifter. When the creator and comedian finds himself stuck in middle-seat air travel hell, a couple of swigs of his favorite Shirley Temple flavor lifts his mood considerably. An instant upgrade sees him reclining on a huge fluffy bed in a huge fluffy plane with an attendant on call for each and every desire. Which in this case means more cans of Poppi, of course. 

Huggies | “Changing Tables” and “Imagine” by Mischief @ No Fixed Address

Huggies released two campaigns that share the theme of how to prepare for the unpreparable. The first sees parents changing a baby in various outdoor scenarios, with the tagline, “If you see a changing table, we see a parent.” The second is an audio ad eavesdropping on a conversation between parents, which reveals how life would be very different (and certainly messier) without Huggies protection. 

Amstel | “Shot Without Permission” by INGO

This out-of-home, fly-on-the-wall campaign is anchored around the idea that “real friendship can’t be faked.” It features candid shots of people out and about in bars enjoying a sociable beer (the drinkers in question were approached afterwards and agreed to be included in the ads). “Today, so much of life feels curated and staged, and we wanted to focus on the moments where there is no pressure to perform,” explained Vanessa Brandao, global brand director for Amstel at Heineken.

Most Effective Ad of the Week

Sketchers | “Cramped ft. Howie Long”

Skechers’ ad debuted on March 31 and features Howie Long highlighting the comfort and fit of the brand’s wide-fit shoes, using a light, humorous tone to show how the right fit can make everyday life more comfortable. The spot positions Skechers as a reliable, easy choice, especially for those looking for a roomier fit. The ad was 48% more effective than the average ad in the Clothing and Accessories category during the week of April 1 and aired most frequently on FX and Freeform. It was also featured across other cable networks.

Everyone talks about AI agents. At ADWEEK’s Social Media Week, you’ll learn how to build your first one. Because there’s no better way to start understanding something than by doing it yourself.

On Tuesday, March 15 starting at 1 p.m., three experts from Stagwell agency Code and Theory will give attendees hands-on training on how to build your first AI agent. Expect to leave the course with three autonomous helpers designed to improve your social media workflow.

Because this is hands-on keyboard training, capacity is very limited. You’ll want to reserve your seat on the SMW App. 

I’m personally really excited about offering this course, and Code and Theory’s teachers are as well.

“I love explaining how this technology works to people that are not technical, because there’s so much value in understanding what’s under the hood,” said Peter Steiner, who leads Code and Theory’s Creative Labs and is responsible for R&D and AI implementation. 

Besides Steiner, the classes will also be led by Josh Currie, head of operations strategy and business intelligence, and Benaëlle Benoit, junior strategist. 

Code and Theory built three social media workflow agents for the course, and they’ll walk students through how they too can build them.

By the time you’re done with the class, you will have built three agents: Trend Pulse Report (produces a report on what’s trending on social media), Partnership Evaluator (finds and evaluates potential partnerships), and Analytics Interpreter (produces a report telling you what worked, what didn’t, and why).

You’ll also have the foundational knowledge to go home and build more yourself. The agents built for work productivity can also be used at home.

“I don’t have social media, funnily enough,” Benoit said. “And I’ve been using the trends agent I made for this class for my personal life, because it lets me update myself on things that are happening, like a new show that’s coming out or a season that’s renewing.”

This will be a very valuable class for those who know little about agentic workflows but want to take the first step, with hands-on guidance on how to master them.

“The industry has done a great job of hyping it up and making it seem like it’s this completely wild, magical thing, but it really is something that regular people can understand, and that’s important to being able to use it well, and integrate it into your work and life,” said Steiner.

Learn more about the course here. And register for Social Media Week here.