CNN Plans Layoffs Amid Budget Cuts

CNN is facing significant budget cuts and layoffs, with reports indicating that hundreds of employees, including high-profile on-air talent, will be affected by March. The layoffs come in response to the network's poor viewership ratings during the recent election, where CNN attracted only 5.1 million viewers, trailing behind Fox News and MSNBC. CEO Mark Thompson is leading a major overhaul of CNN's business model, targeting costly productions and shifting focus towards a digital-first strategy. Longtime employees express feelings of sadness and frustration as they fear for their futures, with some blaming Thompson for the impending changes. Notably, Chris Wallace has announced his departure, and several prominent anchors, including Jake Tapper and Wolf Blitzer, have been denied raises amid these financial challenges. The situation is described as chaotic, as the network attempts to realign itself in a struggling industry.