Mark Thompson Says New CNN Streaming Service Is in the Works as Channel Sets Major Restructuring

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On Thursday, CNN revealed significant job cuts and unveiled a fresh strategic approach, all part of an adjustment following the elections and aimed at restructuring the cable network amidst tough times in the media industry.

On Thursday morning, it was announced by CNN’s CEO, Mark Thompson, that they will be reducing their workforce by approximately 6%, which equates to around 200 employees. However, the company is also actively seeking new hires, with an estimated 100 positions set to be filled over the coming months. This expansion is made possible through a $70 million investment from their parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery.

In his writing, Thompson stated that the modifications being disclosed currently are a continuation of our news organization’s adaptive measures to significant and permanent transformations in how people worldwide, including Americans, acquire news.

As a dedicated fan, I’m thrilled about the upcoming development! CNN is working diligently to create a fresh streaming service that will allow digital subscribers worldwide to stream their news content on any device they prefer. This exciting new venture shows promise, as there’s already a significant global demand for it, proving its potential beyond American borders.

He pointed out that CNN would maintain a robust presence on Max, but also expressed the view that it doesn’t provide a full solution for the future of the superior linear CNN experience.

CNN additionally intends to expand its digital enterprise by introducing fresh subscription services that focus on essential news delivered in engaging ways, complemented by user-friendly offerings rooted in lifestyle journalism, an area where CNN has a strong competitive edge.

As a dedicated gamer, I’m excited to share that CNN is rolling out a fresh domestic TV timetable tomorrow. This strategic move aims to beef up our daily lineup here at home and make international content more accessible for viewers worldwide.

As a gamer speaking in first person, here’s my take: “With this fresh schedule that I’ll be sharing and making available soon, we aim to strike a balance between quality gaming experiences and sustainable costs. The shifting landscape of linear television platforms demands adaptability, and we’re no exception. We need to adjust to these changes to continue delivering top-notch services for our dedicated player base.

I hopped aboard at CNN a year ago, stepping into the shoes left by Chris Licht after his dismissal. Now, as the newcomer with a past as CEO of The New York Times, I’m given the challenge to revamp this esteemed cable news network. My main focus is shaping the digital future for our business.

In early 2024, he proposed a fresh organizational layout and shared his wide-ranging views on CNN’s future direction. During the summer, CNN reduced approximately 100 positions as part of its preparation for a digital transformation. In October, it introduced a digital paywall, marking a significant strategic change.

You can read his memo, below.

Dear All,

Two weeks ago during our initial town hall meeting for 2025, I shared that there was a lot of concern within CNN regarding future organizational transformations. As soon as we had more details to disclose, we promised to do so promptly. That time has come now, and today you will hear not only from me but also from some of my high-ranking colleagues about the upcoming changes at CNN for the next phase.

Today’s announced modifications are an integral part of our continuous adaptation strategy as a leading news organization. We’re adapting to significant and permanent changes in how people worldwide consume news, moving from traditional linear broadcasts to digital platforms, from fixed devices to mobile ones, and from long-form broadcasts to various formats tailored to diverse use-cases. This isn’t about making one-time adjustments but embarking on a multi-year journey of investment, experimentation, and adaptation. Our goal is straightforward: to align CNN with the platforms and products that our audience is gravitating towards, ensuring our continued status as a global news powerhouse. In these challenging times, quality, impartial, reliable news sources are more crucial than ever. This process of change, although tough at times, is essential for us to continue delivering on this critical need.

Today’s focus is primarily on investing in our future, even though it means letting go of around 6% of our current CNN workforce. However, we anticipate that the overall headcount won’t decrease significantly this year, if at all. This optimism stems from our $70 million investment in digital initiatives, which will create numerous new job opportunities. A portion of this funds will be allocated towards product development and technology, but a significant amount is earmarked for top-quality journalism and storytelling – areas we are committed to. These elements are key components of a successful digital news strategy.

Simultaneously, I understand that the number of job losses, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on those affected. Transformation is crucial for our survival in the future, but I am mindful of and saddened by its tangible human effects.

My colleagues will go into more detail about the changes, but here is a summary of key headlines:

STREAMING

CNN Max has been an incredibly valuable asset for us. It has enabled us to showcase our journalism and storytelling content to Max’s 110 million global subscribers, allowing us to experiment and learn about what kind of programming a wide streaming audience prefers, spends time on, and consistently returns to consume. While we plan to maintain a strong presence on Max, we also recognize that it doesn’t encompass the entire future of the traditional CNN linear experience.

Today, I’m excited to share that we are working on a groundbreaking project to deliver our news programming to our digital subscribers worldwide, across various devices of their choice. Though still in the early stages, it’s clear that there’s a massive interest in this service not only in America but globally. In the upcoming months, we will disclose more details about this innovative digital product, such as content strategies and our collaborations with current and future distribution partners to make it available worldwide.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce that we are developing a new way for our global digital subscribers to stream our news programming on any device they prefer. While we’re still in the early stages, the demand for this service is evident not just in America but worldwide. In the coming months, we will reveal more information about this exciting digital product, including its content and partnership strategies with existing and future distributors.)

DIGITAL 

Since Alex MacCallum took over as head of CNN’s Digital Products & Services organization nine months ago, they have made significant strides. They’ve launched our first direct-to-consumer subscription product, introduced vertical video carousels across all digital platforms, revamped the entire CNN.com site, debuted the Digital Magic Wall and live commentary module, established innovation teams, developed data analytics capabilities, and bolstered digital business support—and that’s just the beginning!

Apart from focusing on the creation of the latest streaming service, Alex will also unveil additional ventures. Among these are a significant shift towards digital video content, the introduction of CNN’s inaugural lifestyle-focused digital platform, collaborating with News to pioneer advancements in multimedia storytelling, and the development of new premium digital ad experiences aimed at generating lasting and expandable advertising income.

As a game enthusiast speaking about my gaming guild, I’m excited to share that I’ll be reorganizing my leadership team. This restructure involves the formation of two new departments: Content and Transformation, and Audience and Features. These additions will strengthen my direct reports. In line with this change, we’re also expanding our team by creating numerous openings at various levels within the guild as part of our strategic growth plan and the future vision for our gaming community. Finding the right individuals for these roles will require some time, but we aim to recruit and fill at least 100 new positions over the next few months to help bring our new strategies to life.

A FRESH NEW TV SCHEDULE 

The innovative approach extends to traditional TV viewing as well. Regardless of our streaming ventures, the financially significant manifestations of CNN’s TV experience will continue to be our two primary television offerings: CNN, the long-standing U.S. cable channel approaching its 45th year in 2025, and CNN International. Today, we are unveiling updated weekday schedules that infuse energy and a competitive edge into our programming. An adjusted international schedule will be revealed shortly thereafter.

Our modifications aim to bolster our daily schedule at home and broadcast international content to a larger global audience. With this revised schedule, which will be made public later today, we can achieve this goal while ensuring our production expenses remain financially sound to adapt to the evolving economics of traditional television channels. Just like other industries in our field, it’s crucial for us to adjust to these economic shifts if we want to continue providing top-notch services to our dedicated viewers.

We’re not only refining and modifying crucial elements of our TV production process moving forward, but also expanding on successful improvements we made a year ago in morning programming. These changes enhanced performance and cut costs. Inspired by this success, we aim to apply similar strategies to other parts of our schedule. Beginning today, Eric Sherling and John Davies will guide everyone through these adjustments.

Moving forward, we’re streamlining and tweaking significant aspects of our TV production. The improvements we made in morning programming last year boosted performance and decreased costs. Taking this positive experience as a foundation, we intend to alter how we deliver content across the entire schedule. Starting today, Eric Sherling and John Davies will brief everyone on these changes.

FURTHER MODERNIZING OUR NEWSROOM 

2024 saw our newsroom embark on a daunting mission: unifying into one cohesive entity, eliminating barriers between distinct digital, TV, and international newsrooms. Following the establishment of this new framework, we’ve already noticed significant advancements and strong indications that our Follow-the-Sun strategy is effective. This approach has allowed us to quickly cover global breaking news and distribute the resulting content seamlessly across various formats and channels. Additionally, the newsroom has excelled in creating exceptional exclusive content for digital subscribers, supporting our new subscription model, while also collaborating with Digital Product & Services in devising strategies for verticals and features.

Today, we’re unveiling additional updates within the Global News organization. We’re establishing a new Video News Editorial division to enhance and consolidate our video capacities across all platforms, including traditional TV. Our DC bureau is being restructured to match our newly introduced multiplatform model from last summer. We’re also strengthening our ties with CNN en Español by more closely integrating it into the main Global News operation. Furthermore, we are creating a crucial senior position within the news organization and welcoming some exceptional new leaders, including Phil Rucker from the Washington Post who will serve as SVP Editorial Strategy and News, and a new London Bureau chief, details of whom will be shared soon.

JOB IMPACTS

First off, it’s important to acknowledge that some of today’s decisions bring about new job opportunities at CNN, while others may result in the departure of respected team members. Change inevitably involves such challenges, but we are committed to addressing them as sensitively and swiftly as possible. As soon as we can, we will reach out to everyone affected by these changes, offering assistance and support during this transition.

Over the past year and three months since I joined CNN, we’ve experienced an extraordinary amount of news and made substantial progress in our journey towards the future. I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of my colleagues for their contributions to this company during my tenure and long before that as well.

MOVING FORWARD

2025 is off to a start, and already it’s clear how crucial it is for this esteemed news organization to thrive. With our strong brand and respected reputation, coupled with the exceptional talent we have on board, along with our long-standing tradition of innovation and dedication – I am confident that we are well-equipped to achieve exactly that.

As a dedicated gamer, I appreciate all the hard work you put into CNN, providing top-notch content that keeps millions of viewers in America and beyond hooked. Your efforts don’t go unnoticed!

Mark

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2025-01-23 16:55