David Rhodes: The Visionary Executive Transforming Global News at Sky News Group
David Rhodes is a name synonymous with leadership, innovation, and reinvention in global broadcast journalism. A veteran media executive, Rhodes has shaped the modern news landscape through visionary leadership at Fox News, Bloomberg, CBS News, and now as Executive Chairman of the Sky News Group. His career demonstrates how traditional journalism can thrive in the digital age through strategic foresight, technological adaptation, and an unwavering commitment to credible reporting.
Born in December 1973 in New York City, David Rhodes is now 51 years old and continues to redefine global news management from his base in London. With a background in economics and political science, his academic grounding at Rice University has informed a career that combines editorial judgement with business acumen — a balance that few media leaders achieve.
Early Life and Education
David Rhodes grew up in New York, where he developed an early curiosity for public affairs and global media. After completing secondary education, he enrolled at Rice University in Houston, Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science in 1996. His education fostered a critical understanding of how economic systems and political structures intersect — a perspective that would later underpin his strategic decisions in news management.
The Beginning: Fox News (1996–2008)
Laying the Foundations of a Media Career
David Rhodes began his career at Fox News in 1996, just before the network’s official launch. Over the next twelve years, he advanced rapidly through editorial and managerial ranks. Initially managing foreign and political coverage, he was soon promoted to Vice President of News.
In this role, he oversaw the network’s daily editorial decisions and helped shape Fox’s coverage during a critical era in American political journalism. By 2006, he was managing the channel’s entire news operation, including its global assignments. His time at Fox honed his skills in rapid decision-making, crisis reporting, and newsroom management at scale.
Reinventing Bloomberg Television (2008–2011)
Leading a Post-Crisis Transformation
In 2008, David Rhodes transitioned to Bloomberg LP as Head of U.S. Television. It was a pivotal move that showcased his ability to merge editorial integrity with business transformation. The financial crisis had reshaped how audiences consumed business news, and Rhodes led a comprehensive rebranding and restructuring of Bloomberg’s television output.
He recruited new on-air talent, developed a modern look for the network, and redirected coverage toward the broader economic context, rather than niche financial reporting. His efforts revitalised Bloomberg’s relevance among business audiences and solidified his reputation as a reformist leader unafraid of change.
Global Influence: President of CBS News (2011–2019)
The Youngest Network News President in U.S. History
At only 37 years old, David Rhodes became President of CBS News in 2011 — the youngest person ever to lead a major U.S. network news division. His leadership marked a period of profound change and innovation.
Transforming CBS for the Digital Era
Under Rhodes’ direction, CBS News introduced the “Real News” strategy — an editorial vision focused on integrity, transparency, and in-depth reporting. He launched CBS This Morning in 2012, reimagining morning television with substance and seriousness. He expanded Face the Nation to a full hour and oversaw the evolution of CBS Sunday Morning through generational transitions of key presenters.
Perhaps his most pioneering achievement was the creation of CBSN in 2014 — the first major over-the-top (OTT) streaming news platform launched by a legacy broadcaster. CBSN set a new industry standard for digital-first news delivery and proved that traditional media could compete in a streaming-dominated world.
Rhodes’ business acumen was equally significant. He achieved profitability for CBS News, managing a division of over 1,100 employees and a P&L of approximately $500 million. He also negotiated a 2017 global partnership with BBC News, replacing ABC as the BBC’s American partner — a move that enhanced CBS’s global reach and credibility.
Advisory Roles and Expanding Horizons (2019–2021)
After leaving CBS News, David Rhodes used his expertise to advise media and technology organisations navigating digital disruption. He consulted for the Los Angeles Times, Spotify, and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), helping shape strategies for podcasting, streaming content, and business transformation.
This advisory period broadened his global perspective and prepared him for his next challenge: leading major international operations in London.
Joining Sky and Leading International Expansion (2021–2023)
In 2021, David Rhodes joined Sky Group as Group Director for International Business Development. His task was to strengthen Sky’s position as a global content powerhouse under its parent company, Comcast-NBCUniversal.
During this period, Rhodes built cross-market strategies, developed partnerships across Europe, and laid the foundation for what would soon become his most influential role to date.
Executive Chairman of Sky News Group (2023–Present)
Overseeing Global News Operations
In April 2023, David Rhodes was appointed Executive Chairman of the Sky News Group, giving him responsibility for Sky’s news services across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Sky News Group encompasses Sky News (English), Sky TG24 (Italian), and a range of digital platforms, apps, and joint ventures. Under his leadership, Sky employs more than 800 journalists worldwide. Rhodes’s mandate focuses on driving digital transformation, strengthening Sky’s international partnerships, and aligning traditional broadcasting with the demands of modern streaming audiences.
Leading Sky into the Future
Rhodes’s vision for Sky is anchored in three priorities:
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Digital-first expansion – prioritising streaming, on-demand, and mobile news formats.
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Editorial excellence – upholding the integrity and accuracy that have long defined Sky’s journalism.
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Sustainable growth – ensuring Sky remains both commercially competitive and culturally influential in an increasingly fragmented media ecosystem.
His leadership is not only operational but symbolic: a sign that Sky, under Comcast’s ownership, aims to position itself as Europe’s most trusted and globally recognised news brand.
Leadership Philosophy and Style
David Rhodes is widely regarded for his calm decisiveness and data-informed strategic thinking. He believes in empowering editorial teams while insisting on accountability and innovation. At CBS, he often described journalism as both a “public service and a business,” a philosophy he continues to apply at Sky.
His leadership style combines analytical precision with creative openness. By balancing editorial freedom with commercial strategy, Rhodes has managed to bridge the once-wide gap between newsroom ideals and boardroom realities.
Recognition, Boards, and Affiliations
Beyond his executive roles, David Rhodes is a respected voice in academic and policy circles. He has served on the Board of Trustees of Rice University, and on advisory boards for:
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The James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy
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The Doerr Institute for New Leaders
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The Scripps-Howard School of Journalism
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The Edward R. Murrow Centre for a Digital World at Tufts University
From 2013 to 2018, he was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (Davos), reflecting his influence in international media governance and thought leadership.
Personal Life
Outside the newsroom, David Rhodes lives in London with his wife, Emma Kahn Rhodes, who also works in the media industry, and their two teenage sons. Emma has held roles with MTV Networks, CBS, the New York Post, and Cablevision, and is currently involved with initiatives such as Goals House and Needham Partners.
His brother, Ben Rhodes, is also a prominent figure — best known as a former U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications under President Barack Obama. Despite their differing political and professional paths, both brothers share a deep commitment to communication, public service, and global engagement.
The Legacy and Future of David Rhodes
As Executive Chairman of Sky News Group, David Rhodes stands at the intersection of traditional journalism and modern technology. His career embodies the adaptability required to sustain credibility and profitability in a disrupted media landscape.
From launching CBSN to expanding Sky’s digital reach, Rhodes has consistently shown that embracing innovation does not mean compromising integrity. His tenure at Sky will likely define how European and global broadcasters evolve in the face of digital transformation and shifting audience expectations.
Final Thoughts
David Rhodes is more than a media executive — he is a transformative strategist reshaping the very architecture of global news. His trajectory from New York to London, from newsroom management to boardroom leadership, reflects a professional journey defined by innovation, resilience, and insight.
At 51, with over three decades in news media, Rhodes continues to shape how audiences experience journalism in the digital age. His work at Sky News Group reinforces his legacy as one of the most influential figures in modern media — a leader who bridges continents, connects generations, and redefines what news means in the 21st century.
FAQs
1. Who is David Rhodes?
David Rhodes is an American media executive currently serving as the Executive Chairman of Sky News Group, where he oversees Sky’s news operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He is best known for his previous role as President of CBS News from 2011 to 2019.
2. How old is David Rhodes?
David Rhodes was born in December 1973 in New York City, which makes him 51 years old as of 2025.
3. What is David Rhodes’s educational background?
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science from Rice University, where he graduated in 1996.
4. What are David Rhodes’s most notable career achievements?
His major accomplishments include launching CBS This Morning, creating the pioneering streaming service CBSN, leading Bloomberg’s television rebranding, and driving Sky News Group’s digital transformation under Comcast-NBCUniversal.
5. Is David Rhodes related to anyone notable?
Yes, David Rhodes is the brother of Ben Rhodes, who served as Deputy National Security Advisor under former U.S. President Barack Obama. He is married to Emma Kahn Rhodes, who also works in the media industry, and they live in London with their two sons.
