CNN is reportedly set to enact mass layoffs that will fire hundreds of employees across the company, which could impact some of its highly paid on-air personalities. The left-leaning news network, which has already struggled with ratings over the past few years, has seen a substantial decline in ratings following the results of the presidential election.
Reportedly, CNN is reevaluating its strategy as its cable news division struggles with its decline in ratings. As a result, the network is heavily investing in the digital landscape, where TV production employees and on-air talent won’t be needed. Inside reports suggest that the atmosphere within CNN is tense as the company undergoes significant transformation.
The popular X account Wall Street Silver reported on the news, writing, “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 recently denied raises.”
The post continued, highlighting the expensive compensation packages that many of the network’s TV personalities have. “The two already boast salaries of $7million and $3million, while stars like Anderson Cooper take home an annual $20million. Kaitlan Collins and Erin Burnett also command inflated earnings – $3million and $6million apiece, respectively.” Wall Street Silver echoed reports that some of the “on-air talent” will likely be impacted. “Insiders told Puck the new round of firings will likely see on-air talent like them affected, as the network’s new CEO looks to free up finances amid waning ratings.”
Furthermore, The American Tribune reported struggles across the mainstream media after the election, where networks such as MSNBC and various broadcasters have endured precipitous declines in their ratings. Commentators have opined that the networks have lost the trust of the American people after displaying bias.
Sean Spicer said on a recent panel, “This is out just a little while ago, the ratings for MSNBC. Morning Joe down 39.6, Andrea Mitchell down 39.7, Ari Melber down 49.6, Joy Reid down 54.6, all in the last week. Lawrence O’Donnell down 60.6, Stephanie Ruhle, the big winner, down 67 percent in ratings.” Spicer concluded from the data, “They lost the trust of the American people.”
He continued, “I mean, Chris Wallace, this morning announced that he’s leaving CNN to go to a platform. The thing is, you know, my view, I get, I’ve been asked, probably by about 10 to 12 reporters in the last 48 to 72 hours, how did we miss this again?” Spicer noted, “And I said we didn’t. You did. And I mean, and I say this respectfully, but I was just like, look, here are the guests that we’ve had on.”
Journalist Mark Halperin commented, “The very same executives and producers, anchors and correspondence and writers who covered and participated in the cover-up of the Biden decline, and then after the decline had to be exposed and acknowledged, never acknowledged their role in it. All those people are covering the Trump administration, they also covered the campaign. I don’t understand how they think that they can cover the Trump campaign fairly, or Trump administration fairly, or be seen as covering the Trump administration fairly.” He added, “If they don’t acknowledge their role in the conspiracy and their failure to acknowledge it…. just doesn’t make any sense to me.”
Watch the panel below:
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