Michael Quigley

Quigley’s job is forwardthinking, often calling for him to make decisions on digital strategies reaching many years into the future. Because of this, he’s a big outside-the-box thinker on a daily basis when working with the networks and technology partners to strategize on the digital distribution plans for the company. According to Quigley, the biggest innovation for Turner this year is the launch of CNNx, a next-generation app that provides users more control over their news experience. It marks a major milestone in the evolution of CNN and will redefine the news experience for users for years to come, he says.

What’s been your company’s biggest innovation this year? 

Earlier this year, we launched CNNx, a next-generation app that provides users more control over and greater depth to their news experience.  It features CNN’s live linear feed, with the added options of an interactive topic-by-topic rundown, contextually related content for every topic we cover on air, and a curated on demand library of scripted programming and documentary films.  It was incredibly gratifying to lead a team that created every aspect of this ground-breaking product: the expert editorial, creative design, app development, and technology infrastructure.  This product marks a major milestone in the evolution of CNN and will redefine the news experience for users for years to come.

Who has been your strongest mentor, and why?

I’ve had a number of individuals – colleagues, friends, family – who have had a profound influence on my life and career.  But there are a few consistent values that are the hallmarks of great mentorship:

(1)   Champion: source of encouragement that provides confidence and occasional needed push

(2)   Truthteller: source of honesty that provides clear perspective and candid feedback

(3)   Sponsor: source of support that provides advocacy, promotion, resources

(4)   Role Model: source of motivation that provides a vision and milestone to aim for