CNN Account Executive

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery… the stuff dreams are made of.

Who We Are…

When we say, “the stuff dreams are made of,” we’re not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD’s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what’s next…

From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.

Join Warner Bros. Discovery’s Ad Sales organization – the team that creatively develops cross-platform, client centric solutions across WBD’s portfolio of premium sports, entertainment and news offerings. The Account Executive plays a critical role within WBD’s Ad Sales team and will be responsible for selling across CNN. 

We are dedicated to driving the evolution of news and advertising, enhancing the fan journey, and unlocking impactful opportunities for our brand partners. We combine the power of trusted journalism with innovative storytelling and cutting-edge technology to help brands connect with audiences at scale

CNN is looking for a dynamic, results-oriented Account Executive to join our Advertising Sales team. This is an opportunity to sell across one of the world’s most trusted brands in journalism, with a portfolio that spans linear, digital, audio, social, branded content, and emerging platforms.

The Account Executive role isn’t about maintaining the status quo—it’s about growth. You’ll prospect new clients, expand existing relationships, and craft innovative, multi-platform solutions that deliver measurable value for advertisers and fuel CNN’s business.

Core Responsibilities:

• Monetize the CNN Ecosystem: Build creative advertising solutions for our partners across CNN’s full wingspan – linear, digital, audio, social, branded content, events, and newsletters. 
• Drive Growth: Prospect relentlessly and close new business, especially in underdeveloped or high-potential categories.  Grow existing business through account planning and retention strategies.
• Expand Partnerships:  Go client-direct to deepen relationships with new and current clients – manage existing agency relationships to grow revenue and share of wallet  
• Collaborate to Win: Partner with strategy, research, branded content, production, and editorial teams to deliver bespoke solutions.
• Lead in Market: Thrive in the competitive news category by operating with urgency, creativity, and persistence.

Success Profile:

• Passionate:  Believes in CNN’s legacy as a brand, believes in the mission of journalism, and is able to translate that to the marketplace.
• Results-Driven: Consistently deliver against sales goals and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Client-Focused: Able to communicate CNN’s value proposition and communicate our vision and opportunities effectively – consistently elevates the perception of CNN by how they show up externally
• Strategic & Creative: Skilled at developing fresh narratives and solutions that address client needs – whilst combatting the narrative of ’news aversion’ 
• Polished Communicator: Confident, clear, and persuasive with strong instincts.
• Collaborative: A team player who works seamlessly across functions to deliver integrated, high-impact campaigns.
• Adaptable: Embraces change, feedback, and new opportunities for growth.
• Proactive:  Self-starter, who consistently ‘beats’ the RFP with upstream conversations – assessing client objectives/needs, and delivering CNN solutions

Performance Expectations

• New Client Acquisition: Number of new clients onboarded per quarter.
• Revenue Growth: YOY growth targets for CNN-specific monetization (standalone and within packages).
• Activity:  Conduct 10+ quality client engagements per week.
• Ownership:  Deliver clear, strategic account plans with measurable growth milestones.
• Deal Quality: Mix of high-value, brand-safe, and innovative deal structures (e.g. sponsorships, multi-platform, branded content).
• Collaboration Score: Positive 360 feedback from cross-functional partners (BSS, marketing, other AE’s, teams).

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field. 

• Recommended 4 years of selling experience in client partnerships or ad sales within the media and entertainment industry. 

Why Join Us

At CNN, you’ll be part of a team that’s redefining the future of news and advertising. We combine the power of trusted journalism with innovative storytelling and cutting-edge technology to help brands connect with audiences at scale. If you’re driven, creative, and ready to make an impact in one of the most influential media companies in the world, we’d love to hear from you.

How We Get Things Done…

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.

Championing Inclusion at WBD

Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or any other category protected by law.

If you’re a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance. Base pay is just one component of Warner Bros. Discovery’s total compensation package for employees. Pay Range: $94,500.00 – $175,500.00 salary per year. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and sick time and vacation.