CNN is set to cut hundreds of jobs this week as it aims to boost its digital audience. The round of layoffs, expected to be announced Thursday, will likely focus on reducing costs and shifting the network’s emphasis toward creating subscription-based digital products. With declining viewership in traditional cable news, CNN has been exploring ways to diversify its offerings, including relocating some programs from New York or Washington, D.C., to Atlanta to lower expenses. The cuts are not expected to affect key programming names on the network.
CNN has recently invested over $70 million in digital employee training and tools, with part of that funding likely going toward hiring data scientists and product developers. This strategic move aligns with its goal of modernizing operations amid rising competition. In fact, CNN had previously cut 100 jobs across the company in June as it unveiled its digital strategy to regain a leadership role in future news experiences.
The network’s push for digital transformation has been bolstered by a $70 million investment from its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, which has increasingly focused on investing in digital platforms. However, CNN has faced challenges in growing audiences and revenue, with some programs being pulled from traditional broadcast due to low viewership trends.
Despite these efforts, the network recently settled a defamation case related to a 2021 story about former Navy SEAL Zachary Young, avoiding potential punitive damages awarded to him by a Florida jury. CNN acknowledged the settlement while expressing pride in its journalism and commitment to fair reporting.
Looking ahead, NBC News is also expected to lay off staff this week as part of its own cost-cutting measures. Both networks are repositioning themselves in a competitive landscape where digital transformation remains a key priority.
Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/01/23/cnn-job-cuts-redundancies-warner-bros