CNN, once the dominant force in cable news, is grappling with a prolonged period of declining ratings, prompting the network’s new CEO, Mark Thompson, to contemplate significant cost-cutting measures. Facing a plunging viewership and desperate to reverse their fortunes, CNN is reportedly considering the removal of high-profile anchors like Anderson Cooper, Chris Wallace, Wolf Blitzer, and Jake Tapper, who command substantial salaries. With Thompson emphasizing a focus on reducing costs, even prominent figures such as Blitzer and Tapper, with earnings of $15 million and $8 million respectively, are rumored to be bracing for potential dismissals.
The network is seemingly in a crisis, with its self-proclaimed status as the “most trusted name in news” eroding, as acknowledged even by former CEO Chris Licht. CNN’s long-standing issue of anti-conservative bias has not gone unnoticed, with the network accused of routinely aligning its reports with Democratic Party talking points. The token conservatives on the network are perceived by some as mere tokens, not representative of a genuine conservative perspective.
While contracts for the high-profile anchors are expected to remain unchanged until after the November elections, insiders anticipate significant transformations afterward. The reported intention is to replace traditional marquee names with talent that has flourished on social media platforms. This strategy aligns with Thompson’s efforts to position CNN as a digital-first provider, reflecting a shift in the media landscape. Notably, the network is eyeing personalities like Megyn Kelly, who boasts a substantial YouTube following, as part of this digital-focused approach.
CNN’s foray into digital platforms with CNN+ faced a swift and dismal failure, shutting down a mere three weeks after its April 2022 launch. Despite ambitious subscriber targets, the streaming service fell significantly short, managing only 150,000 subscribers and purportedly less than 10,000 daily viewers. The network’s struggle to adapt to changing media consumption habits raises questions about its future viability, with critics drawing parallels to the ill-fated Hindenburg.
