CNN Faces Major Layoffs As Ratings Collapse Following Trump Victory

CNN is planning to cut hundreds of staff members amid a dramatic decline in ratings, marking another blow to the struggling network. The layoffs, which could impact major on-air personalities, follow the network’s dismal performance on election night, trailing far behind Fox News and MSNBC.

According to Puck News, CNN’s parent company, WarnerMedia, has been facing financial struggles, prompting CEO Mark Thompson to shift the network’s focus toward a digital-first strategy. This pivot comes after the network already let go of about 100 employees earlier this year.

Prominent anchors like Anderson Cooper, Erin Burnett, and Kaitlan Collins are rumored to face pay cuts, while Chris Wallace has announced his departure after three years of poor ratings. Wallace, once a highly publicized hire, plans to transition to podcasting, a platform increasingly utilized by figures like President-elect Donald Trump to bypass traditional media.

CNN’s election night ratings showed a staggering 40% decline compared to the previous year, with viewership falling behind even MSNBC, which also suffered significant losses. Media analysts have attributed these declines to a growing disconnect between legacy media and viewers, many of whom have turned to alternative sources for news.

Critics argue that CNN’s troubles stem from years of partisan reporting and a failure to address its credibility issues. From promoting the discredited Russia collusion narrative to dismissing economic concerns, the network has alienated large swaths of the public.

As CNN undergoes restructuring, the layoffs reflect broader challenges for left-leaning media outlets. The network’s future will depend on its ability to regain trust and adapt to the evolving media landscape.

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