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: 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 pic.twitter.com/ZORpMxyII3
— ABC News PR (@ABCNewsPR) April 7, 2026
