CNN’s chief executive, Sir Mark Thompson, has urged the network’s staff to end the “typecasting” of Donald Trump as he outlined a series of transformative changes, including significant layoffs, to modernize the broadcaster’s operations. Speaking on Thursday, Sir Mark announced a 6% reduction in the network’s workforce, translating to roughly 200 job cuts from CNN’s traditional TV operations, alongside a drive to reposition the network for a digital future, according to the Telegraph.
Sir Mark, the former director-general of the BBC, is leaning on the importance of balanced and unbiased reporting, particularly as Donald Trump begins his second term as U.S. president. He cautioned CNN correspondents against relying on assumptions or stereotypes when covering the Republican leader, stating that such “typecasting” leads to “bad journalism.”
“It’s just a sense of proportion,” Sir Mark told the New York Times. “We’re not suggesting that we’re going to ignore political news, which—particularly with a second Trump term—is going to loom very large, obviously. But we need to focus on a much broader news agenda.”
As part of the overhaul, Sir Mark revealed plans to revamp CNN’s TV schedule. Jim Acosta, a prominent critic of Trump, will see his morning program replaced by a new show hosted by Wolf Blitzer and Palema Brown. During Trump’s first term, Acosta became a polarizing figure after clashing with the president, who labeled him a “rude, terrible person” and accused him of representing “fake news.”
CNN is reportedly negotiating a new role for Acosta, who famously had his White House press credentials suspended in 2018 following a heated exchange with Trump. Reports indicate he has been offered a late-night slot leading a two-hour West Coast show starting at midnight Eastern Time. The Los Angeles Times reported that Acosta is considering the offer but may choose to leave the network altogether.
Sir Mark also announced plans to bolster CNN’s digital presence by hiring over 100 data scientists and product engineers in the first half of the year. He characterized the moment as an “existential” one for the network and underscored the necessity of pursuing audiences on new platforms with “real conviction and scale.”
To further support its digital strategy, CNN will launch a new paid streaming service and a subscription platform focused on lifestyle content, such as food and fitness. The overhaul will be backed by a $70 million investment from parent company Warner Bros Discovery.
While traditional TV remains CNN’s most profitable operation, the network has struggled with declining ratings and increased competition from MSNBC and Fox News. Following the 2024 election, CNN’s prime-time viewership and digital audience have both taken a hit.
“In the end, this is about CNN being—as it has been in its history—an indispensable way in which many, many millions of people get their news,” Sir Mark said.
Before taking the helm at CNN, Sir Mark, 67, served as chief executive of Channel 4, director-general of the BBC from 2004 to 2012, and later as chief executive of the New York Times. His tenure at CNN has already seen significant restructuring, including a previous round of layoffs six months ago that resulted in 100 job cuts across the company.
Sir Mark’s vision for CNN, he claims, involves a delicate balancing act: maintaining the network’s reputation for in-depth political coverage while broadening its scope and embracing new digital platforms.