CNN to Lay Off 100 Staffers Amid Major Digital Revamp

CNN is set to lay off around 100 staff members as part of a significant reorganization aimed at expanding its digital offerings and incorporating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence.

CNN CEO Mark Thompson shared the news in a memo to staff on Wednesday, detailing a comprehensive plan to launch various digital products, including a new subscription service set to debut by the end of the year. This initiative includes paid offerings centered on lifestyle journalism and a “strategic push into AI.”

Thompson stated that the layoffs, affecting nearly 3 percent of CNN’s workforce, will largely involve closing open positions, but some occupied roles will also be cut. A town hall meeting is scheduled for later in the day to further explain the changes.

“We’ve made every effort to close open positions rather than target currently occupied roles,” Thompson wrote. “However, some of our colleagues will learn today that their jobs are being eliminated or are at risk.”

This round of layoffs follows significant cuts in late 2022 under former CEO Chris Licht, which affected HLN, CNN International, and on-air contributor deals.

A Shift to Digital and AI

Thompson, who took over as CEO last year, is steering CNN towards a more digital-centric future. The memo emphasized a shift from text-based content to video, leveraging CNN’s strength in video production and reporting talent.

“Our digital products need to better reflect CNN’s massive strength in video and anchoring/reporting talent. Video will be at the heart of our future,” Thompson stated.

Additionally, CNN plans to enhance its free, ad-supported streaming services, with new offerings focused on CNN Originals and CNN en Español.

On AI, Thompson expressed a desire to explore how the technology can serve audiences and support journalistic goals more effectively and responsively.

Television and Streaming Innovations

Addressing the evolving landscape of news and television consumption, Thompson announced the creation of a TV futures lab led by Eric Sherling. This lab will focus on developing streaming and VOD programming for the Max platform and finding ways to adapt the linear news experience to new digital formats.

Charlie Moore, who oversees primetime for CNN, will work to further develop and strengthen the network’s lineup, indicating potential changes ahead.

Integrated Newsrooms

CNN will merge its domestic and international newsrooms, breaking down barriers between TV and digital, text-based and video journalism. This unified newsroom will enable more efficient resource sharing and streamlined workflows.

“We need to recognize that we are all journalists and storytellers first and foremost,” Thompson wrote. “We plan to provide more opportunities for everyone to learn new skills and new forms of storytelling.”

New Revenue Streams

To offset declines in traditional revenue, CNN is investing in new revenue opportunities, including licensing deals for its video archive and expanding its FAST channels for CNN Originals and CNN en Español. The new revenue group will focus on immediate and long-term growth areas, including digital audience monetization and new streaming and VOD footprints.

Cultural and Operational Changes

Thompson also highlighted the work of a “Culture Committee” tasked with addressing internal challenges and fostering a more open and supportive work environment. Key priorities include enhancing collaboration, transparency, professional development, and diversity.

Despite the job cuts, Thompson assured staff that CNN is committed to treating affected employees with respect and support, including severance packages and job placement assistance.

“Hundreds of you have been involved in developing the plans we’re outlining today. I hope that, wherever you work at CNN, you’ll feel that you can help ensure we implement them successfully,” Thompson concluded.

The detailed memo underscores CNN’s strategic pivot towards a more integrated, digital-first future, aiming to harness new technologies and adapt to the changing media landscape.