Leon Hawthorne is a journalist and media executive, who works at the intersection of content, commerce and technology. A former CNN news anchor and CEO of two satellite TV channels, Leon has created a slew of single genre digital channels, such as Health Zone, Book Zone and Theatreland TV; and advised the CEOs of Hearst Magazines, the Independent, the London Evening Standard and Boots.com on their digital strategies. Presently, Leon is on sabbatical, researching for a PhD at City, University of London – on the use of artificial intelligence in digital communications.
A ‘virtual human’ version of Leon, used in his PhD research experiment.
Leon contributes to Press Gazette and is a judge for the British Journalism Awards.
During COVID lockdown, Leon co-wrote a children’s fantasy book with his then 7-year old son.
Leon was CEO of the Baby Channel, which launched on satellite, cable, web, magazine and retail.
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 major media and retail brands on their digital content strategies.
Leon was a lobby correspondent for BBC News, attending daily briefings at 10 Downing Street.
Leon’s vlog features commentary on current events.
Anchoring World News for CNN International, Atlanta.
Anchoring political discussion show, ‘Despatch Box’ for BBC 2.
Anchoring World News for CNBC Europe, London.
© Leon Hawthorne 2023 