CNN is reportedly preparing for substantial layoffs following low ratings during the recent Election Day coverage, according to sources. The network, which has historically drawn large audiences during election nights, experienced a significant drop in viewership this year, with only 5.1 million primetime viewers. This was significantly behind its competitors, Fox News, which brought in 10.3 million viewers, and MSNBC with 6 million viewers. CNN's digital platform did add an estimated 14 million viewers, bringing its total “cross-platform audience” to 44 million, according to CNN representatives.

The reported layoffs are expected to impact both on-air talent and production staff, potentially affecting hundreds across the organization, according to Puck News. The changes are being led by CNN CEO Mark Thompson, who assumed the role following the departure of Chris Licht earlier this year. Thompson, who previously led the New York Times and BBC, aims to restructure CNN to focus more heavily on digital content, reducing the need for traditional production roles. Staff at the network are said to be dealing with “high stress and high anxiety” as they await further details about the changes.

Reports indicate that Thompson’s plans include salary cuts or possible layoffs for some of CNN’s highest-paid on-air talent. Notable names such as Anderson Cooper, who reportedly earns up to $20 million annually, Erin Burnett at $6 million, and Kaitlan Collins at $3 million could be impacted by the reorganization. Additionally, Chris Wallace, who joined CNN with much fanfare, recently announced his departure after three years of struggling with low viewership. Previously, reports suggested that Thompson would also ask other prominent figures like Jake Tapper and Wolf Blitzer to consider pay cuts.

As part of the restructuring, CNN will reportedly look to streamline its operations by reducing redundant assignments and potentially eliminating entire divisions, shifting more responsibilities to reporters and correspondents. Thompson’s strategy aligns with his vision of prioritizing digital and streaming content to address shifting audience trends and declining cable news viewership.

The network’s struggles have been exacerbated by recent controversies, including reactions to coverage of President Joe Biden’s remarks about political division and other high-profile stories, which reportedly impacted viewer trust and ratings. Since the tenure of former CEO Jeff Zucker, when CNN led in cable news viewership, the network has seen a decline, with average primetime viewership now down to around 800,000, significantly below the 13.3 million viewers it averaged in 2016.

CNN has yet to provide specific details on the planned layoffs, but the restructuring is anticipated to unfold over the next few months. As CNN continues to shift toward a digital-first approach, the layoffs mark a pivotal moment for the network as it aims to regain audience share and streamline its operations amid intensifying competition.

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