Linda Yaccarino reportedly to become the new Twitter CEO, reigniting fears of censorship and shadow banning

Linda Yaccarino, NBCUniversal’s head of advertising, is in talks to become the new CEO of Twitter, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the situation.

Elon Musk has not directly confirmed the report, but it appears that Musk is confirming that Linda Yaccarino, who is also the chair of the World Economic Forum is the new CEO of Twitter but users won’t be shadowbanned.

In response to a tweet from Twitter user Luke Rudkowski which suggests that her appointment would mean Twitter cracking down on controversial users, Musk said: “That will not be the case.”

That will not be the case

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 12, 2023

Analysts said Musk’s decision to appoint Yaccarino as the new CEO comes down to her advertising experience and the need to help Twitter navigate the challenges it’s faced in recent years and steer the company toward profitability. However, the news of her upcoming appointment as Twitter chief sparked fears of censorship and shadow banning.

Calling it a bad move, one Twitter user said, her appointment will lead to censorship and suspended accounts.

“NBC + Global Leadership = shadow ban + censorship + suspended accounts – not such a good move@elonmusk.”

https://twitter.com/concetta8631/status/1656967819873976320

Another Twitter user thinks what’s coming down the pike is worse than a shadow ban.

“Worse than shadow bans will be coming. WEF globalists get a foothold in twitter, it’s worse than the CIA, FBI,” Twitter user Daniel wrote.

Worse than shadow bans will be coming. WEF globalists get a foothold in twitter, it’s worse than the CIA, FBI.

— Daniel (@lktappshb) May 12, 2023

So, who is Linda Yaccarino?

Linda Yaccarino is a well-known executive in the media and advertising industries. She is currently the Chairman of Global Advertising and Partnerships at NBCUniversal, where she oversees the company’s advertising sales and client partnerships across its various media platforms, including television, digital, and streaming.

Prior to joining NBCUniversal in 2011, Yaccarino held senior leadership roles at a number of other major media companies, including Turner Broadcasting, Viacom, and MTV Networks. Over the course of her career, she has been recognized for her leadership and accomplishments with numerous industry awards, including being named one of Advertising Age’s “Most Influential Women in Advertising” and one of Variety’s “Power Women of New York.”

Yaccarino’s experience in media and advertising, combined with her proven track record of success in leading large organizations and driving revenue growth, makes her a strong candidate to assume the role of CEO at Twitter.

Regardless of whoever the new CEO is, Musk said yesterday that the new female Twitter CEO will take up the position in approximately 6 weeks.