Warner Bros. Discovery's digital pivot spurs major layoffs
"CNN expects to lay off about 200 people as part of a restructuring announced on Thursday that pivots the news organization toward a more digitally oriented future," reports the Associated Press.
Warner Bros. Discovery, the company behind CNN, has announced layoffs affecting several hundred employees. The intent of these changes is to adapt the stations to a digital future. According to the Associated Press, CNN plans to lay off approximately 200 employees, which constitutes 6 percent of its team.
Mark Thompson, CEO of CNN, emphasizes that the reduction in TV segment positions will be balanced by new recruitments. The plans include the introduction of subscription products. Thompson notes that the changes are necessary due to a decline in viewership following the U.S. presidential elections.
"Our objective is a simple one: to shift CNN’s gravity towards the platforms and products where the audience themselves are shifting," wrote Thompson in a memo to employees.
Warner Bros. Discovery has allocated $70 million for these plans. The company is also preparing for changes in the TV schedule.
In December 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery announced a division into two operational units: studios and streaming platforms, and television stations, including CNN.
