(The Hill) — Cable giant CNN is planning to lay off dozens of employees and undergo a major restructuring as the outlet looks to retool itself around digital during President Donald Trump’s second term.
The layoffs are expected to impact about six percent of CNN’s global workforce, amounting to around 200 jobs on its linear television side, according to a source with knowledge of the plans.
Fox News hosts Sean Hannity, Ainsley Earhardt announce engagement
The restructuring is part of a decision from CNN’s parent company, WarnerBros. Discovery, to invest more than $70 million in the outlet with its previously stated goal of reaching $1 billion in digital revenue by 2030.
CNN plans to replace many of the traditional linear television jobs it is cutting with new roles in digital products and services and expects to have 100 or more positions posted and filled during the first half of 2025.
“The changes we’re announcing today are part of an ongoing response by this great news organization to profound and irreversible shifts in the way audiences in America and around the world consume news,” CEO Mark Thompson said in a note sent to staff on Thursday and obtained by The Hill.
More Americans say they need a break from political news: Survey
“America and the world need high quality, fair-minded, trustworthy sources of news more than ever. This difficult and sometimes painful process of change is the only way to make sure we can still provide it.”
The network is also planning to make changes to its dayside and evening lineup of programming on cable, with formal announcements expected later on Thursday.
CNN, like all major cable channels, has seen a dip in audience since Trump’s first term at a time of widespread distrust in mainstream media outlets by American voters.
The Ted Turner-founded network, which was known during those years for its aggressive coverage of the president, has gone through a slew of high-profile staffing changes in the years since and seen its editorial tone shift as Trump returns to office.
“2025 has only just begun and yet we’ve already seen more than enough news at home and abroad to be reminded just how important it is that this great news organization succeeds,” Thompson said. “Given our brand and reputation, given the incredible talent at our disposal, given that spirit of innovation and commitment that has always been a hallmark of CNN, I truly believe that we can do just that.”
