CNN Faces Massive Layoffs After Ratings Collapse Following Trump Victory
CNN, once a powerhouse in cable news, is now preparing to fire hundreds of employees, including some of its most well-known personalities, after a disastrous ratings drop following President-elect Donald Trump’s 2024 victory. The layoffs, reported by Puck News, mark a significant shift for the struggling network, which has trailed behind both Fox News and MSNBC in viewership.
The firings come after CNN had already cut around 100 employees earlier this year. CEO Mark Thompson, who took over leadership following the departure of Chris Licht, appears to be reorienting the network toward a “digital-first” strategy. This shift will reportedly result in the elimination of roles from CNN’s television-focused staff, whose talents are deemed less essential in the new model.
As ratings crater, CNN is set to 'axe top stars in layoffs that'll see hundreds fired’ per Daily Mail.
The imploding CNN's Brian Stelter & Abby Phillip explain to viewers that tanking public trust in media isn't the fault of the media.
It’s your fault for noticing their lies. pic.twitter.com/xhADRXLhN9
— Real Ben (@AtRealBen) November 13, 2024
First high-profile victim of CNN layoffs revealed
FakeNews Liar Chris Wallace lies about getting FIRED! https://t.co/oB3lQlO6P4 via @MailOnline— ShantyIrish (@FreeShantyIrish) November 16, 2024
High-profile anchors like Anderson Cooper, Erin Burnett, and Kaitlan Collins could face significant pay cuts, while others, such as Chris Wallace, have already exited the network. Wallace, who joined CNN in 2021, announced he would transition to podcasting after three years of poor ratings.
CNN’s ratings have been on a steady decline, with election night viewership trailing far behind Fox News. According to data obtained by Mediaite, CNN saw a 40% drop in year-over-year viewership on election night, reflecting broader dissatisfaction with its programming.
I am so glad that CNN and MSNBC are having layoffs and people about to be fired normally I don't like it when people lose their jobs but when you lie to somebody you got to go and when you lie to the American people you got to go and ABC and Disney could use a change how about…
— Deonhayes (@lashon64) November 14, 2024
“CNN 'will axe top stars in layoffs that'll see hundreds fired”
Legacy media is dead. You can hear the sighs of despair. pic.twitter.com/olOJgwBdVJ
— Douglas Ritz (@douglasritz) November 12, 2024
Critics argue that CNN’s struggles stem not just from shifting media consumption habits but also from years of what they describe as partisan and misleading reporting. The network gained notoriety for its role in promoting the now-debunked Russia collusion narrative and other controversial stories, which have eroded public trust.
Media analysts suggest that CNN’s layoffs are a response to both financial pressures and changing viewer expectations. As conservative voices gain traction across alternative platforms, legacy media outlets like CNN are being forced to rethink their approach in an increasingly competitive environment.
Remember #CNN lies to you and intentionally feeds you misinformation in order to support their agenda. They want to create division and hate, because the lemmings can't take their eyes away. People are waking up, moving on and CNN is Failing. The layoffs are coming. Failure is…
— WaketheWoke (@draconic_R20) November 13, 2024
One more nail in the coffin of #CNN. Too long have they been masquerading as an objective news organization but the mask has slipped. The mass in mass media is now awake to the lies & progressive narrative propaganda this network engaged in. Lower ratings, layoffs and bankruptcy. pic.twitter.com/ZdEkLsM6nC
— Wes Holland (@SirWeasel) November 14, 2024