Layoffs, salary cuts and reorganization are coming to CNN after it saw less-than-stellar ratings for its election night coverage.
According to reports, CEO Mark Thompson will oversee significant cuts to the TV channel’s news divisions and is pushing for a major reorganization of its primetime lineup. The layoffs are expected to affect TV production teams as the company shifts toward a digital-first model. CNN has not confirmed how many employees will be fired.
The shake-up comes after CNN saw disappointing viewership for its election coverage last week. According to Neilsen ratings data, CNN garnered only 5.1 million viewers versus MSNBC’s 6 million Fox News’ 10 million.
Additionally, CNN lost one of its anchors, Chris Wallace, who on Monday announced he’s leaving the network after three years.
The layoffs, expected to take effect in the coming weeks, will be the second major reorganization at CNN this year. The network had laid off just over 100 staffers, or 3% of its workforce.
Additionally, CNN launched an online paywall, requiring readers to pay a subscription fee to read online articles.
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