CNN, once a dominant force in cable news, is bracing for a wave of layoffs targeting high-paid staff and restructuring in response to dwindling viewership.

The network, reeling from poor election ratings and a broader drop in audience, is reportedly planning deep cuts to manage costs and reorient its focus.

Executive Shake-Ups and Budget Cuts

A recent report by Puck reveals that CNN’s leadership, under new CEO Mark Thompson, is preparing a sweeping overhaul to restore the network’s reputation.

This decision follows the high-profile departure of veteran anchor Chris Wallace and recent setbacks for prominent figures like Wolf Blitzer and Jake Tapper, who were both reportedly denied salary increases.

Uncertainty Over Which Staff Will Be Cut

While details on who exactly might be let go remain sparse, the list of CNN’s highest-paid stars includes Anderson Cooper, Erin Burnett, and Kaitlan Collins, each of whom commands multimillion-dollar salaries.

Sources close to the network suggest that many of these upcoming layoffs will affect production roles, placing additional responsibilities on on-air talent as they take on tasks previously handled by production teams.

Shifts in Staff Responsibilities

As CNN plans to streamline its operations, reporters and correspondents are expected to shoulder a larger workload, covering duties once managed by multiple production teams.

The restructuring aims to eliminate redundancy, with specific roles and even entire departments potentially being reduced or phased out.

A Digital-First Vision Under New Leadership

Mark Thompson, former head of The New York Times and the BBC, was brought in this past August to steer CNN towards a digital-first strategy, focusing more on online platforms.

This comes after ratings under former CEO Chris Licht fell by over 20%, leaving the network trailing in viewership compared to competitors like Fox News, which now averages over 2.8 million viewers in prime-time slots.

CNN’s Struggle to Retain Viewership

Once the most-watched network on election nights, CNN has seen a drastic decline in its election coverage appeal.

During the recent election cycle, MSNBC overtook CNN with 6 million viewers compared to CNN’s 5.1 million, while Fox News drew a staggering 10.3 million viewers.

For CNN, which once averaged over 13 million viewers during primetime in 2016, this is a significant blow.

Layoffs and Potential Growth in Digital Roles

Despite the looming layoffs, CNN insiders say the network may open new positions in line with Thompson’s digital-first vision.

However, even if the changes lead to a net gain in jobs, sources note that a stressful atmosphere has permeated CNN’s Manhattan headquarters as staff brace for what’s next.

Veteran Anchors Face Uncertain Futures

The future remains uncertain for some of CNN’s highest-paid figures.

Following the news that Chris Wallace’s $8.5 million contract will not be renewed, the longtime journalist is now considering a shift to full-time podcasting.

Meanwhile, other top earners like Cooper and Burnett await decisions on their roles and compensation.

Earlier reports revealed that while Tapper was extended for three years, his salary remains the same, and Blitzer did not receive a raise.

What Lies Ahead for CNN

As CNN navigates these turbulent times, both staff and viewers are left wondering how the network’s renewed focus on digital content and cost-cutting measures will impact its on-air programming and overall standing in cable news.

Whether these changes will succeed in revitalizing the network remains to be seen.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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