CNN is set to lay off hundreds of employees, marking another chapter in the network’s ongoing struggle to retain viewers and adapt to changing media consumption trends. The move follows a disastrous ratings drop on election night, where CNN was soundly beaten by Fox News and MSNBC.
Under CEO Mark Thompson, CNN is reportedly pivoting toward a digital-first strategy, deemphasizing its traditional television operations. This shift will result in significant staffing cuts, with Puck News reporting that many high-profile anchors and producers are likely to be affected.
As ratings crater, CNN is set to 'axe top stars in layoffs that'll see hundreds fired’ per Daily Mail.
The imploding CNN's Brian Stelter & Abby Phillip explain to viewers that tanking public trust in media isn't the fault of the media.
It’s your fault for noticing their lies. pic.twitter.com/xhADRXLhN9
— Real Ben (@AtRealBen) November 13, 2024
Anderson Cooper, Erin Burnett, and Kaitlan Collins are among the big names facing potential salary reductions, while Chris Wallace has already announced his departure. Wallace plans to focus on podcasting after three years of low ratings at CNN, signaling the growing appeal of alternative media formats.
CNN’s ratings troubles reflect a broader problem for left-leaning outlets. Election night viewership showed a sharp 40% decline year over year, highlighting the network’s inability to connect with audiences in a post-Trump media environment.
First high-profile victim of CNN layoffs revealed
FakeNews Liar Chris Wallace lies about getting FIRED! https://t.co/oB3lQlO6P4 via @MailOnline— ShantyIrish (@FreeShantyIrish) November 16, 2024
I am so glad that CNN and MSNBC are having layoffs and people about to be fired normally I don't like it when people lose their jobs but when you lie to somebody you got to go and when you lie to the American people you got to go and ABC and Disney could use a change how about…
— Deonhayes (@lashon64) November 14, 2024
Critics argue that CNN’s challenges are self-inflicted, stemming from years of partisan reporting and a lack of accountability. The network’s role in promoting the Russia collusion hoax and other debunked narratives has damaged its reputation, leading many viewers to seek alternative sources of information.
“CNN 'will axe top stars in layoffs that'll see hundreds fired”
Legacy media is dead. You can hear the sighs of despair. pic.twitter.com/olOJgwBdVJ
— Douglas Ritz (@douglasritz) November 12, 2024
The layoffs at CNN are part of a larger shift in the media industry, as traditional outlets grapple with declining trust and increasing competition from independent voices. Whether CNN can successfully reinvent itself remains uncertain, but the stakes for its survival have never been higher.
Remember #CNN lies to you and intentionally feeds you misinformation in order to support their agenda. They want to create division and hate, because the lemmings can't take their eyes away. People are waking up, moving on and CNN is Failing. The layoffs are coming. Failure is…
— WaketheWoke (@draconic_R20) November 13, 2024
One more nail in the coffin of #CNN. Too long have they been masquerading as an objective news organization but the mask has slipped. The mass in mass media is now awake to the lies & progressive narrative propaganda this network engaged in. Lower ratings, layoffs and bankruptcy. pic.twitter.com/ZdEkLsM6nC
— Wes Holland (@SirWeasel) November 14, 2024