CNN chief Mark Thompson announced sweeping changes to the network Thursday, including the layoffs of 200 traditional TV production jobs as the company invests in new digital roles, according to reports. .
Mr. Thomson said in an interview Thursday that the company plans to add about 200 new digital jobs following job cuts in its cable TV business. The network also plans to release new digital subscription products and transition its television lineup.
“This is the moment when digital stories feel like existential questions.” Thompson told the New York Times.. “If we don’t drive audiences to new platforms with real conviction and scale, the outlook is not good.”
CNBC reported Wednesday that the layoffs come as Warner Bros. Discovery Inc.'s CNN reorganizes its terrestrial TV lineup and considers building a digital subscription product, with CNN cutting production costs. He added that it helps unify the team.
Some shows produced in New York and Washington could be moved to Atlanta, where they can be produced more cheaply, the report said.
Comcast-owned NBC News also plans to cut jobs later this week, according to reports. There are no exact numbers, but the number of layoffs is likely well below 50.
Comcast and Warner Bros. Discovery did not respond to requests for comment.
The Washington Post, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, announced earlier this month that it would be cutting back on costs by cutting about 4% of its workforce, or fewer than 100 people, as the storied newspaper faces mounting losses. announced that it would reduce its workforce.
The Associated Press announced in November that it would cut about 8% of its workforce in an effort to modernize its operations and products.
Just days ago, Thompson warned top talent, including Jake Tapper and Anderson Cooper, “not to express their anger” during President Trump's inauguration, according to the Status newsletter. That's what it means.
During a virtual editorial meeting Sunday, Thompson advised staffers to avoid “pre-judging” the president.
The network will also replace frequent President Trump opponent Jim Acosta's 10 a.m. show with “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown.” CNN is in talks with Acosta about other roles, the newspaper said.
Blitzer recently signed a new multi-year contract with CNN, and Brown currently helms CNN's weekday 11 a.m. show.
The decision to shift Blitzer, who had recently been ridiculed on social media on social media for an outdated TV programming, meant CNN gradually removed him from the night lineup while keeping one of its most respected anchors on the air. It was also possible to remove it.
Thompson said he also plans to launch a new morning show anchored by Audie Cornish, who currently hosts CNN's weekly podcast “The Assignment.”
“At the end of the day, this means CNN, as it has throughout its history, is the essential way millions of people get their news,” Thompson told the Times. Ta.
The CEO said the new digital subscription product will focus on lifestyle content such as food and fitness articles, but declined to provide further details.
As for new digital jobs, CNN is looking to hire about the same number of laid-off employees on the digital side. Thompson said the network aims to hire about 100 digital staff in the first half of this year.
The digital push will allow CNN to reduce production costs and consolidate its team.
Some shows produced in New York and Washington may be moved to Atlanta, where they can be produced more cheaply, the Status Newsletter previously reported.
