Warner Bros. Discovery’s CNN announced Thursday it is cutting about 6% of its total staff, or about 210 employees, as it refocuses the business around a global digital audience. CNN CEO Mark Thompson announced the job losses in a memo to staff Thursday, confirming CNBC’s reporting Wednesday that cuts were coming. In the memo, Thompson noted CNN doesn’t expect total headcount to fall “much” this year because the company plans to invest $70 million in new digital plans. “I know that whatever the total number of job losses, the impact on the individuals involved can be immense,” Thompson wrote in the memo, obtained by CNBC. “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.” The layoffs come as CNN is rearranging its linear TV lineup and building out digital subscription products.
Warner Brothers Discovery is struggling, with its ownership of cable channels leaving it at risk as viewers move to streaming and digital offerings. As it restructures, one of its channels is set to take a large hit: CNN. The cable news pioneer will lay off hundreds of employees as it slims down its TV production to build around a more digital-focused strategy, according to reporting from CNBC. The network suffered a sharp ratings decline in the weeks after last November’s election.
CNN boss Mark Thompson reportedly plans to announce mass layoffs Thursday — just days after he warned top on-air talent including Jake Tapper and Anderson Cooper that they ought to avoid “pre-judging” President Trump. The ratings-challenged cable news pioneer will lay off hundreds of employees as it refocuses the business around a global digital audience, CNBC reported Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The job cuts come as CNN, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, looks to rearrange its linear TV lineup and build out digital subscription products, CNBC said, adding that it will help CNN lower production costs and consolidate teams. Some shows produced in New York or Washington may move to Atlanta, where production can be done more cheaply, the report said.
