CNN as well as NBC, the American news networks are gearing to trim their workforces. While CNBC is reportedly set to lay off 200 people from its 3,500-strong global workforce, NBC News will cut less than 50. About six per cent of CNN’s workforce will be impacted.
As per CNBC reports, CNN intends to restructure and focus on a digital audience and digital subscription products. The trimming will also result in much-required cost reductions and help to merge teams, which will favour the long-term sustainability and success of the network.
It is pertinent to mention here that CNN reported the lowest ratings ever in 2024 in terms of adult audience in the 25 to 54 age range. Clearly, the behavior of the audience and their demands are changing and CNN has to keep up with the way subscribers wish to consume news.
As per reports, there is a likelihood of CNN shifting the production of certain shows from New York or Washington, to Atlanta to benefit from the lower costs of production there.
It hasn’t been long since Mark Thompson, CEO, CNN had revealed that it had received a capital infusion of more than $70 million from Warner Borthers Discovery for the expansion of its digital operations.
At the time, Thompson had shared that some of the capital would be used to hire talent from the fields of data science and product development.