Executive Shuffle Expected at CNN

CNN, bedeviled by dropping ratings and stiff competition from two rival cable news channels, is expected to announce an executive reorganization today that is likely to include the departure of Rick Kaplan, president of CNN’s U.S. operations, according to sources within the network.

The changes, which were still being worked out Tuesday, come as America Online Inc. proposes to take control of CNN parent Time Warner Inc. CNN declined to comment.

It’s unclear who will replace Kaplan. Among other changes discussed Tuesday are expanded duties for president of news gathering Eason Jordan, who is expected to be named chief news executive; Steve Heyer, chief operating officer of Turner Broadcasting; Jim Walton, president of the CNN/SI sports channel; and Phil Kent, an executive in CNN’s international operations.

Kaplan, who joined CNN in 1997 from ABC News, told his staff Tuesday that he is leaving. His tenure has been rocky, starting with the “Tailwind” report, which ran concurrently with a story in Time magazine in an attempt at corporate synergy. CNN later retracted its story, which accused the military of using nerve gas in Vietnam.

That incident was followed by a spat with Lou Dobbs, which led to the departure of the top-rated “Moneyline” anchor. And although his recent overhaul of CNN’s look has received high marks, the network has struggled as it attempts to forge an identity when no major news story such as a war draws viewers.