Massive Layoffs Loom at CNN as Ratings Crash: Who Will Survive the Shake-Up?

CNN is in panic mode, bracing for a staff shake-up, ready to slice off some high-paid stars after a dismal showing in the election ratings. The network’s been riding a rough wave for a while now, but the recent numbers seem to be the last straw. According to a new report from Puck, CNN execs are rolling out the layoff plan to “restore reputation” (or, in plain speak, stop the viewer exodus).

With Chris Wallace already out the door and rumors swirling that household names like Wolf Blitzer and Jake Tapper have been passed over for raises, it’s getting real at CNN. Who’s up for the chop? That’s still a mystery. But if you’re curious about CNN’s big earners, here’s a peek: Anderson Cooper is cashing in with $20 million a year, Erin Burnett’s at $6 million, and rising star Kaitlan Collins banks a cozy $3 million. Word has it CNN’s post-election layoffs will “trim the top talent,” according to insiders who seem to have front-row seats to this rollercoaster.

Puck’s Dylan Byers writes that, “In the next few months, I’m told, CNN will implement another round of layoffs that will impact hundreds of employees across the organization.” But the cuts are said to focus on the production side, meaning reporters and correspondents might have to juggle even more tasks—because who doesn’t love doing extra work without a pay bump?

As Byers explains, “Redundant assignments will be nixed, and various divisions will be reduced or even eliminated. Some of the on-air talent are also likely to be affected.” Translation: layoffs are coming, and they’re aiming high.`

At the helm of this overhaul is CEO Mark Thompson, who arrived to clean up after Chris Licht’s short-lived tenure. His arrival hasn’t exactly been a ratings miracle; CNN has reportedly seen a more than 20 percent drop in viewers under his lead.

High-paid figures like Erin Burnett and Kaitlan Collins? They’re still on standby, but let’s not forget about Jake Tapper and Wolf Blitzer, who are reportedly making $3 million and $7 million, respectively. Even they’re not safe from CNN’s budget tightening.

When Chris Licht was running the show, CNN dropped from the top election-night cable news spot to, well, close to the bottom. Back in 2016, under Jeff Zucker, CNN was averaging a hefty 13.3 million primetime viewers. Fast forward to today. Try 800,000. Meanwhile, Fox News is comfortably ahead, averaging 2.8 million viewers in similar slots.

It only got worse on election night, with MSNBC beating CNN at 6 million viewers, while Fox swept the competition with a massive 10.3 million. These recent Nielsen numbers seem to signal a serious shift in cable news, with CNN trailing behind.

Adding to the drama, Chris Wallace confirmed he won’t be renewing his $8.5 million-a-year contract and is contemplating a career in podcasting. “This is the first time in 55 years I’ve been between jobs,” he said, adding, “I am actually excited and liberated by that.” Talk about making the most of a career shift.

Even though layoffs are coming, CNN reportedly plans to bring in “new positions” to fuel Thompson’s digital-first vision. But the environment at CNN’s Manhattan HQ is said to be tense, full of “stress and high anxiety.”

So, in a nutshell: CNN’s ship is leaking, and it remains to be seen if Anderson, Erin, Jake, or Wolf will be the ones bailing water—or going down with the ship.

#cnnlayoffs #mediashakeup #cablenewscrisis

“This is the first time in 55 years I’ve been between jobs…”

“I am actually excited and liberated by that.”