CNN president Jeff Zucker has emerged as a candidate for the ESPN president job

Deadline

Zucker started his career as a researcher on NBC Sports’ 1988 Olympics coverage before running the Today show and, much later, the entire NBC network, where he helped make Donald Trump a TV star on The Apprentice. Now, after finding success at CNN, Zucker is reportedly lobbying for the top ESPN job to replace John Skipper, who resigned abruptly last month. Zucker “is an intriguing proposition,” according to Deadline, which adds: “He has a higher profile than any of the other potential candidates. He was able to reverse CNN’s linear ratings declines even before the Donald Trump-fueled political coverage ratings bonanza. He also successfully built the cable news network’s digital brand, overseeing a big online expansion.” UPDATE: A CNN spokesperson says: "“Jeff loves his job at CNN and has no interest in running ESPN."