Discovery Communications CEO David Zaslav has a long-term friendshipJeff Zucker (outgoing CNN Chief) announced his retirement. sudden resignation WednesdayAfter failing to reveal a relationship with an employee. According to sources familiar with Zaslav’s thinking, his removal may help Zaslav align CNN more closely with his wider streaming strategy.

Zucker’s unexpected exit from the company will probably slow down progress of CNN+. This is the subscription streaming service Zucker built while WarnerMedia was still part of it. AT&T. WarnerMedia to Merge with Discovery at some point in the second quarter of this year.

Discovery’s key executives see CNN’s worth as supporting a larger flagship product. This includes content from HBO Max, Discovery+ and streaming sports. According to the sources, CNN+ is less valuable than its paid subscription service.

Un spokesperson for Discovery Spokesman refused to comment.

Netflix could not compete with the full WarnerMedia/Discovery offering, which would include all of their best content. DisneyThe bundle includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. This is a great option for families who want to replace pay-TV. Discovery announced ThursdayThrough a joint venture, it had been in negotiations to include more European sports on Discovery+.

Zucker spent several months recruiting people to create exclusive CNN+ programming. former Fox News reporter and anchor Chris Wallace, New York University’s Stern School of Business professor Scott Galloway, author-chef Alison Roman actress Eva Longoria.WarnerMedia has not publicly disclosed a price or launch date for CNN+. Bloomberg News reported CNN was planning to debut its streaming service in March for $5.99 per month.

These shows could add significant value to combined Warner Bros. Discovery streaming offer. However, Zucker’s exit could provide Zaslav with more control over how CNN will continue with its live programming and CNN+.

Until the merger is completed, Discovery cannot make formal decisions about the future leadership of the combined company. The role of Zucker under Zaslav is not known. though Zucker extended his tenure at WarnerMedia last year until at least the merger’s closeKeep his options open.

The people claimed that Zaslav was informed of Zucker’s resignation by Zucker just hours after he had told CNN staff that he would be resigning. One person said that Zucker is unlikely to return as CNN’s CEO after the merger.

Jason Kilar, WarnerMedia CEO, announced Wednesday three current CNN executives — Michael Bass, Amy Entelis, and Ken Jautz — will run the network until the merger closes.