CNN is preparing to implement widespread layoffs affecting hundreds of staff members after dismal election ratings marked the latest setback for the network.

According to a report from Puck, the cuts are part of CEO Mark Thompson’s strategy to reshape CNN’s approach, with a focus on digital platforms over traditional broadcast.

CNN ‘will ax top stars in layoffs that’ll see hundreds fired’

CNN is reportedly set to fire some of its top talent in a round of post-election layoffs.

The rumblings, first reported by Puck News, come as high-paid personalities like Jake Tapper and Wolf Blitzer were reportedly… pic.twitter.com/UIqhnUQxaa

— Wall Street Silver (@WallStreetSilv) November 12, 2024

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The layoffs come on the heels of multiple challenges for CNN, including a recent 100-person cut over the summer and high-profile departures such as Chris Wallace, who opted not to renew his $8.5 million contract.

JUST IN: Chris Wallace to quit CNN as he apparently seems to think the mainstream media is dying, says he is thinking about getting into podcasting.

Wallace told the Daily Beast that streaming and podcasting is “where the action seems to be.”

“This is the first time in 55 years… pic.twitter.com/SI1iXlO32H

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 12, 2024

Wallace, 77, confirmed the decision in an interview with the Daily Beast, explaining that he was exploring podcasting opportunities, saying, “This is the first time in 55 years I’ve been between jobs. I am actually excited and liberated by that.”

While no specific names have been disclosed for the upcoming cuts, Puck journalist Dylan Byers reported Friday that the layoffs will primarily target production staff.

As a result, on-air talent may be asked to take on additional roles typically handled by producers and production assistants. “Redundant assignments will be nixed, and various divisions will be reduced or even eliminated,” Byers wrote. He noted that “some of the on-air talent are also likely to be affected.”

JUST IN: CNN will be firing hundreds of employees including some of their top stars according to Puck News.

The news comes as CNN’s Chris Wallace says he is not returning after his contract expires.

“In the next few months, I’m told, CNN will implement another round of layoffs… pic.twitter.com/oHn9uJVNL9

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 12, 2024

The restructuring plan appears to focus on a “digital-first” vision, with sources suggesting that new positions may be created in support of Thompson’s strategy, which could ultimately result in a net gain of employees.

However, hundreds of existing staff members are expected to lose their positions in the coming months.

Thompson, a former New York Times and BBC executive, took over CNN’s leadership in August following a challenging period under previous CEO Chris Licht.

During Licht’s brief tenure, CNN’s ratings saw a sharp decline, dropping over 20% in recent months and leaving the network trailing behind both Fox News and MSNBC.

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Now media is deliberately twisting his words in an attempt to dupe the American people.

This “bloodbath” hoax is SHAMEFUL. pic.twitter.com/gqAJH3SOLD

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In contrast, Fox News, bolstered by hosts like Laura Ingraham, Jesse Watters, Sean Hannity, and Greg Gutfeld, has consistently drawn an average of 2.8 million viewers in primetime, compared to CNN’s average of around 800,000 viewers.

CNN’s struggles were further highlighted on election night, which was historically one of the network’s strongest viewership days.

The network drew only 5.1 million viewers, while MSNBC garnered 6 million and Fox News dominated with 10.3 million.

This marks a major shift from 2016, when CNN, then led by Jeff Zucker, was the top network for election coverage, averaging 13.3 million viewers in primetime.

Among CNN’s highest-paid anchors, Anderson Cooper reportedly earns $20 million annually, while Erin Burnett and rising star Kaitlan Collins receive $6 million and $3 million, respectively.

Recent reports indicate that Wolf Blitzer and Jake Tapper were both denied raises, and Wallace’s salary was under consideration for a reduction before his departure.

Tapper, however, recently signed a three-year contract maintaining his current $7 million salary.

The network’s ratings decline coincides with shifts in the media landscape, with traditional cable news outlets competing against streaming and digital media for viewership.

According to NewsBusters’ Curtis Houck, who spoke with Fox News Digital, CNN’s declining viewership reflects broader challenges facing left-leaning cable news. “While MSNBC thought they may have struck gold with election night ratings, they should have realized by now that Americans only tuned in so they could see the meltdowns,” Houck said, adding that liberal cable news may face further struggles amid a shifting media environment.

The anticipated layoffs have created a climate of “stress and high anxiety” at CNN’s Manhattan headquarters, according to sources who spoke with Byers.

The exact timeline and specific individuals impacted by the cuts have not yet been disclosed, but the changes are expected to unfold over the coming months.

This latest round of layoffs signals a pivotal moment for CNN as it works to stabilize operations and restore viewership.

With Thompson’s digital-focused approach and restructuring efforts, the network is navigating a period of significant transformation in the competitive news media landscape.

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