Former CNN producer Ashley Van Sant returns to CNN as livestream specialist

Former CNN producer Ashley Van Sant is returning to CNN in a new digital role after a difficult layoff journey, calling the comeback “incredibly special.”

WEBDESK – MEDIABITES

Ashley Van Sant is making a powerful comeback to CNN after being appointed as a Livestream Specialist on the network’s digital side.

The Atlanta-based communications and media professional shared the announcement on LinkedIn, expressing excitement about returning to CNN in a completely new role focused on digital and livestream journalism.

Previously serving as a cross-platform producer at CNN for more than seven years, Van Sant played a key role in producing content across broadcast, digital, and social platforms for one of the world’s most-watched news networks, reaching audiences in over 200 countries and territories.

During her time at CNN, she managed content strategy, breaking news coverage, audience-focused storytelling, and social media production, including TikTok-first content that regularly attracted hundreds of thousands of views.

She also handled crisis communication during major breaking news events and worked on award submissions for prestigious honors, including the Emmy, Peabody, and duPont-Columbia Awards.

Before CNN, Van Sant served as Senior Producer at ABC15 Arizona, where she led live broadcast production and managed newsroom teams in high-pressure environments.

Her media career also includes more than a decade at Q13 FOX News as a News Producer, along with earlier roles at the New York Times Digital, affiliated KFOR Newschannel 4, and the Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KOVR CBS 13.

A graduate of Washington State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast News, Van Sant has built more than two decades of experience in newsroom production, storytelling, editorial strategy, and digital journalism.

“Guess who’s back. Again. At CNN. (It’s me.),” She wrote in a post that quickly gained attention from journalists and media professionals.

She admitted that being laid off was emotionally difficult, but thanked colleagues, mentors, friends, and family for supporting her during the challenging period.

Van Sant also praised former coworkers and encouraged hiring managers to recognize talented journalists affected by ongoing newsroom layoffs.

Her return comes as international media organizations continue investing heavily in livestreaming, digital-first storytelling, and audience engagement strategies to adapt to changing audience habits worldwide.

Team MediaBites congratulates Ashley Van Sant on her return to CNN and wishes her continued success in digital journalism and livestream storytelling. Congratulations!