CNN Ratings Collapse Forces Major Layoffs And Restructuring

CNN is bracing for widespread layoffs following years of declining ratings and financial struggles. The cuts, expected to impact hundreds of employees, reflect a broader crisis in corporate media as viewers increasingly turn to alternative platforms.

CEO Mark Thompson, who took over last year, is steering CNN toward a digital-first strategy. This pivot will result in the elimination of traditional television roles, leaving many prominent figures at risk. Puck News reported that high-profile anchors like Anderson Cooper and Erin Burnett could face salary reductions, while Chris Wallace has already announced his departure.

Wallace, who joined CNN in 2021, plans to transition to podcasting after struggling to draw viewers. His exit mirrors the growing popularity of direct-to-audience formats, which have been embraced by figures like President-elect Donald Trump to bypass traditional media.

CNN’s election night ratings highlighted the network’s challenges, with a 40% drop compared to the previous year. The network’s performance trailed behind both Fox News and MSNBC, underscoring its inability to connect with audiences.

Critics attribute CNN’s struggles to its perceived partisanship and history of promoting misleading narratives. The network’s role in amplifying the discredited Russia collusion story is frequently cited as a turning point in its loss of public trust.

The layoffs at CNN signal a critical moment for the network as it seeks to reinvent itself. Whether these changes will be enough to reverse its fortunes remains uncertain, but the challenges ahead are substantial.