Dr. Leon Hawthorne is a media executive, who works at the intersection of content, commerce, and technology. A former World News Anchor for CNN International, and CEO of two UK satellite TV channels – The Baby Channel & Simply TV – Leon has created a slew of single genre digital channels, such as Health Zone, Book Zone, and Theatreland TV. He also advised the CEOs of Hearst Magazines, the Independent, the London Evening Standard, and Boots.com on their digital strategies. Leon holds a PhD from City, University of London. His 2024 doctoral thesis, titled ‘Talking Heads’, was on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence to create human-like, interactive avatars (‘virtual humans’) as an interface for communicating with consumers.
Leon debates AI and misinformation in a podcast with UN Under-Sec-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.