CNBC: CNN to lay off hundreds of employees as post-inauguration transformation begins, sources say [View all]

[Dennis Donovan]

CNBC - CNN to lay off hundreds of employees as post-inauguration transformation begins, sources say

Published Wed, Jan 22 2025
4:25 PM EST
Alex Sherman

Key Points
• CNN is planning to lay off hundreds of employees this week.
• NBC News is also planning layoffs this week, although the scale will be much smaller than those at CNN.
• Newsrooms around the U.S. are reorganizing around digital audiences as fewer people watch cable and broadcast news.

Warner Bros. Discovery’s
CNN plans to lay off hundreds of employees Thursday as it refocuses the business around a global digital audience, according to people familiar with the matter.

The layoffs come as CNN is rearranging its linear TV lineup and building out digital subscription products. The cuts will help CNN lower production costs and consolidate teams, said the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss nonpublic changes.

Certain shows that are produced in New York or Washington may move to Atlanta, where production can be done more cheaply, said the people.

For the most part, the job cuts won’t affect CNN’s most recognizable names, who are under contract, said the people. CNN has about 3,500 employees worldwide.

During a town hall meeting earlier this month, CNN CEO Mark Thompson said the media company has received an investment of “more than $70 million” from Warner Bros. Discovery to help fund the company’s digital operations. Part of that investment will go toward hiring employees in areas where CNN sees potential growth avenues, such as data scientists and product development.

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