CNN announced it is laying off about 6% of its staff, or approximately 200 employees, in an effort to modernize its business. This move, detailed in a memo sent to employees on Thursday by CEO Mark Thompson, comes as newsrooms across the United States are reorganizing around digital audiences due to the decline in viewers of cable and broadcast news. Despite the layoffs, Thompson noted that the overall headcount at CNN is not expected to decrease significantly this year, as the company plans to invest $70 million in new digital initiatives.
“The process of change is essential if we’re to thrive in the future, but I both acknowledge and regret its very real human consequences,” Thompson wrote. The restructuring aims to reduce production costs and consolidate teams, with some shows currently produced in New York or Washington potentially moving to Atlanta to cut expenses. However, these job cuts are not expected to affect CNN’s most recognizable on-air personalities, who are under contract.
In the same memo, CNN announced several new initiatives. The company is planning a new streaming option for digital subscribers, separate from CNN Max, which currently operates within Warner Bros. Discovery’s broader Max streaming service.
CNN announces digital restructuring steps
Thompson mentioned that details on the new content would be revealed in the coming months. CNN also plans to hire at least 100 new employees to expand its digital presence, investing in new high-quality journalism, storytelling, and tech products.
Part of this investment includes developing a “lifestyle-oriented digital product.”
In addition, the network is revamping its linear TV schedule in the U.S. and internationally. Planned changes include creating new U.S. morning shows, extending “The Situation Room” hosted by Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown, moving “CNN’s The Arena with Kasie Hunt” to 4 p.m. ET, and Jake Tapper’s “The Lead” to 5 p.m. ET. NBC News is also planning layoffs later this week, although on a much smaller scale than CNN.
According to sources, the number of job losses at NBC News will be well under 50. A spokesperson for NBC News declined to comment. Both CNN and NBC News waited until after the U.S. presidential inauguration to announce these cuts.
This period of transition in the news media landscape is driven by a shift in viewer habits, with more people consuming news through streaming services and social media rather than traditional linear TV.
