CNN is undergoing a significant transformation, including layoffs of approximately 6% of its workforce—around 200 positions—as it revamps its schedule and focuses on expanding its digital and streaming presence. The company is investing $70 million into these changes, aiming to reshape the network for the future of news consumption.
CEO Mark Thompson revealed that CNN will soon launch a new streaming service, redesigned digital offerings, and updated subscriber services. While the layoffs will affect many employees, Thompson reassured staff that new positions would be created, meaning the overall headcount could remain relatively stable by the end of the year.
Thompson explained that these changes are part of CNN’s response to the shifting landscape of how people consume news. “Our objective is a simple one: to shift CNN’s gravity toward the platforms and products where the audience is heading,” he wrote in a memo to employees. He emphasized that these difficult changes are necessary to ensure CNN remains a trusted source of news in the evolving media landscape.
The layoffs come amid broader challenges faced by traditional news outlets, as many networks see declining viewership and revenue while audiences migrate to digital platforms. This follows a similar restructuring last year that resulted in the loss of 100 jobs and the reorganization of CNN’s newsgathering team.
To adapt, CNN recently launched a paid subscription service for its digital content and plans to introduce more products for subscribers, including its first lifestyle-focused digital offering. While CNN already offers a streaming service called CNN Max, Thompson hinted at another new streaming product in the works to complement their existing lineup, though details on the content remain under wraps.
As part of the shake-up, CNN is also unveiling a revamped weekday show lineup. Notably, Wolf Blitzer’s “Situation Room” will now air from 10 am to 12 pm, co-anchored by Pamela Brown. Other changes include Audie Cornish anchoring a new 6 am show, Kasie Hunt moving to a 4 pm slot, and Rahel Solomon launching a 5 am program. While some time slots remain unannounced, CNN is in talks with Jim Acosta about his future role.
These changes, set to roll out in March, are aimed at giving CNN a competitive edge while also ensuring that the network’s production costs remain in line with the shifting economics of television.
Link: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/23/business/cnn-layoffs-digital-strategy/index.html
