CNN announced a significant restructuring plan on Thursday, which includes approximately 200 job cuts, an enhanced focus on digital operations, and new roles for prominent figures such as Wolf Blitzer, Jake Tapper, and Audie Cornish.

This revamp represents the most aggressive shift during CEO Mark Thompson’s 18 months at the helm; he previously held leadership positions at The New York Times and the BBC. Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent company, has enlisted Thompson to revitalize the struggling news outlet.

The layoffs are largely focused on CNN’s television sector, which has suffered declining viewership as audiences move away from traditional cable in favor of alternative news platforms. CNN indicated that these reductions will be balanced by forthcoming hires in the digital arena, supported by a $70 million investment from Warner Bros. Discovery.

“This is not merely about cutting costs,” Thompson clarified in an interview. “We are actually committed to increasing our investments.”

The news sector has seen similar layoffs, with CNN experiencing a drop in ratings since the election of President Donald Trump, who has been a vocal critic of the network. For instance, CNN had an average of 1.7 million viewers during Trump’s inauguration, a stark contrast to the 8 million viewers during Joe Biden’s inauguration four years ago. Viewer numbers can fluctuate based on the political climate surrounding the inauguration.

Recently, CNN also faced financial repercussions when a Florida jury ruled the network liable for defaming a U.S. Navy veteran associated with a story about efforts to rescue endangered Afghans after the Taliban takeover. The network reached a settlement before the jury could determine damages.

On the digital front, CNN revealed plans to develop a new product that will allow consumers to stream video content similar to television on any device, though this will not be a direct television broadcast. The launch date for this initiative has yet to be announced.

Under Thompson’s leadership, CNN has been subtly redesigning its website, CNN.com, making new features available. Late last year, the network introduced subscription options for regular users, priced at $3.99 monthly and $29.99 annually, and is also exploring new online ventures that include lifestyle, weather, and sports content.

Thompson’s strategy appears aimed at modernizing CNN in a manner similar to his work at The Times, where he successfully enhanced their digital offerings. CNN executives anticipate that the network’s video content and international reach could provide new avenues for growth not pursued by The Times.

Thompson emphasized in a memo to staff that CNN’s transformation will not consist of a singular initiative but will instead be a prolonged process of investment and adaptation. “Our goal is straightforward: to realign CNN’s focus towards platforms and products that audiences are gravitating towards,” he stated.

The network is striving for savings within its television division by streamlining its staff and relocating some technical functions to its Atlanta headquarters.

In terms of programming adjustments, several schedule changes were announced: Blitzer’s “Situation Room” will shift to 10 a.m. Eastern time alongside Pamela Brown, while Tapper’s program will now start at 5 p.m. Cornish will take over “CNN This Morning” at 6 a.m.; Kasie Hunt will launch a new show titled “The Arena” at 4 p.m.; and Rahel Solomon will present “5 Things” at 5 a.m.

Current late morning host Jim Acosta, known for his confrontations with Trump, is negotiating a new position after expressing reluctance toward a proposed late-night role.

In addition to challenges posed by declining cable subscriptions, CNN faces the difficulty of engaging with Trump supporters who often view the network as adversarial. Many of these supporters took to social media on Thursday to express their approval of the layoffs.

“Trump is now more politically influential than he has ever been and may have dealt a fatal blow to traditional media as we know it,” remarked Clay Travis, a radio host and founder of OutKick, on X.

Thompson expressed a desire for CNN to set itself apart by providing rigorous journalism and fact-checking, enabling viewers to draw their own conclusions on various issues. He highlighted Abby Phillip’s prime-time show as one of the few platforms in cable news allowing for open debate among individuals with opposing viewpoints.

“I believe we need to focus on our roles as journalists with patience and resolve,” he concluded.