CNN Announces Major Restructuring and Job Cuts

According to an internal memo obtained by Reuters, CNN plans to implement significant changes, including cutting approximately 100 jobs, to streamline its operations and enhance its digital business.

Strategic Consolidation by CNN:

CNN will merge its news-gathering and digital news teams as part of this restructuring effort. The goal is to strengthen its video operations and introduce pay-per-view news products. Mark Thompson, CNN Worldwide CEO and a former executive at The New York Times and BBC, aims to transform CNN into a billion-dollar digital enterprise.

Thompson highlighted plans to launch a standalone subscription service for CNN.com by year-end, marking the first of several subscription offerings. These will include a lifestyle-focused product featuring in-depth content.

TV and Streaming Initiatives by CNN:

The network will establish the TV Future Lab to leverage CNN’s content across platforms. This unit will develop content for the Max streaming platform and adapt TV content for digital channels. Last year, CNN began streaming on Max, owned by Warner Bros Discovery.

Editorial Workflow Changes:

The memo outlines changes to editorial workflows, including centralized planning and pitching processes. A new “story manager” role will oversee all stages of story development, from inception to publication or broadcast.

Thompson plans to discuss these strategic initiatives with CNN staff in a town hall meeting scheduled for Wednesday.