CNN to Lay Off Hundreds as Part of Post-Inauguration Changes

CNN, part of Warner Bros. Discovery, is announced to lay off hundreds of employees on Thursday as it shifts its focus toward a global digital audience, according to sources familiar with the situation.

The layoffs are part of CNN's effort to restructure its linear TV lineup and enlarge its digital subscription offerings. The cuts plan to reduce production costs and streamline teams. The condition of anonymity because the changes are confidential, sources said.

As per sources, some shows that are currently produced in New York or Washington could move to Atlanta, where they can be made cheaper. For the most part, the job cuts won’t affect CNN’s most recognizable names, who are working under contract basis, CNN has about 3,500 employees worldwide.

Speaking during a town hall meeting earlier this month, CNN CEO Mark Thompson said the media company has received an investment of "more than $70 million" from Warner Bros. Discovery to help fund the company's digital operations. Part of that investment will go toward hiring employees in areas where CNN sees potential growth avenues, such as data scientists and product development.

In October, CNN initiated a digital paywall, pricing heavier users of the site $3.99 per month.

NBC News will also be taking its own set of cuts later this week, sources briefed on the plans. A person close to the matter wasn't able to say how many jobs would be lost, but two people close to the process said it would be under 50.

Spokesmen for NBC News and CNN didn't comment.

Both news organizations waited until after the U.S. presidential inauguration to make the cuts. The news media landscape is in transition as fewer people watch linear TV and more consume their news on streaming services and through social media.