Dr. Leon Hawthorne is a media executive working at the intersection of content, commerce, and technology. As of September 1, 2025, Leon is Senior Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Media Production at Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media, and Culture (JOMEC). The role builds on his 2024 doctoral research on the use of generative artificial intelligence to create anthropomorphic avatars (‘virtual humans’) as an interface for human-computer interaction. A former World News Anchor for CNN International and CNBC Europe, Leon became Founder CEO of two UK satellite TV channels – The Baby Channel & Simply TV; also he created a slew of single genre web channels including Health Zone, Book Zone, and Beauty Zone. Since selling his businesses, Leon has advised the CEOs of Hearst Magazines, the Independent, the London Evening Standard, and Boots.com on their digital content strategies.
Leon debates misinformation and AI in a podcast with UN Under-Secretary-General, Melissa Fleming.
‘Class of 2024’ – PhD graduation with colleagues, Dr. Merle Van Berkum and Dr. Mina Tever.
During COVID lockdown, Leon co-wrote a children’s fantasy book with his then 7-year-old son.
Leon contributes to Press Gazette, and is a judge for the British Journalism Awards.
Leon was CEO of Theatreland TV, a web and cable channel covering London’s West End.
Author Dan Brown appearing on Book Zone TV, of which Leon was CEO.
Leon advised CEOs of media and retail brands on digital content strategies.
Leon worked as a lobby correspondent for BBC News, covering UK politics.
Leon launched Baby Channel, the world’s first parenting TV channel.
Anchoring World News for CNN International, Atlanta.
Anchoring political talk show, ‘Despatch Box’ for BBC 2.
Anchoring World News for CNBC Europe, London.