‘Sad and frustrated’: CNN staff fear sweeping layoffs by March

CNN employees are anticipating significant budget cuts and layoffs expected to affect the network in the new year.
“I am overall very sad and deeply frustrated,” one longtime CNN staffer told Fox News Digital. “Feelings which are pervasive throughout the organization among those who have been here a long time and feel a deep personal connection to having helped build the organization.”
According to an internal source, the staff reductions will be implemented “by March” and will significantly impact employees across all levels.
“It’s a time of a complete and utter business model overhaul and chaos. Extremely difficult even under the best circumstances,” the CNN staffer said.
A second employee referenced their chief executive, Mark Thompson, who despite being in the position for just over a year, has been frank about the necessary organisational changes for survival.
“I am worried because the industry is obviously in trouble… I’m sure there will be cuts,” the second CNN staffer told Fox News Digital.
The staff member suggested that additional programmes would be centralised in Atlanta, with costly New York City productions likely to face the greatest impact.
CNN’s challenges appear more pronounced compared to other news organisations. During Election Night coverage, CNN attracted only 5.1 million primetime viewers, falling behind major networks except CBS, and was surpassed by MSNBC for the first time, which drew 6 million viewers. Fox News Channel led with over 10 million viewers.
According to Puck News, hundreds of staff members are expected to be affected by redundancies as Thompson focuses on digital priorities. Thompson, known for revitalising The New York Times, has already introduced changes, including a subscription model for CNN’s news website.
The network’s uncertain direction is affecting its talent pool. Weekend presenter Chris Wallace announced his departure when his three-year contract expires this year.
Wallace expressed interest in developing an independent streaming or podcasting platform, though The Ankler reported he was offered a reduced contract compared to his previous £8.5 million agreement under former CNN chief Jeff Zucker.
Initially recruited for CNN+ in 2022, Wallace remained with the network after the streaming service’s closure, hosting “Who’s Talking with Chris Wallace?” and “The Chris Wallace Show”, both experiencing low viewership.
CNN’s overall audience has declined, particularly post-election, averaging 413,000 daily viewers compared to Fox News Channel’s 2.2 million.
Reports suggest top talent may face salary reductions amid restructuring, potentially affecting long-serving presenters’ decisions to stay.
The network also faces identity challenges. Under previous leader Chris Licht, efforts were made to address perceived liberal bias and reduce confrontational politics. However, many of these changes were reversed, including Brian Stelter’s return and increased Trump-critical coverage during the 2024 election period.
During the presidential election year, “The Chris Wallace Show” averaged below 600,000 viewers, with only 85,000 in the crucial 25-54 demographic.