CNN Laying off Some Contributors First as New Boss Seeks to Save Fledging Cable ‘News’ Channel

It was reported today that CNN will be laying some contributors first as new CEO Chris Licht seeks to save the fledging cable “news” channel.

In a memo, Licht announced, “Today we will notify a limited number of individuals, largely some of our paid contributors, as part of a recalibrated reporting strategy.”

“Tomorrow, we will notify impacted employees, and tomorrow afternoon I will follow up with more details on these changes,” Licht explained.

Licht noted that “It will be a difficult time for everyone” and that “Our people are the heart and soul of this organization.”

Journalist Benny Johnson shared the memo in a tweet where he reported, “CNN’s new CEO Chris Licht informs employees of new layoffs underway as mass purge continues.”

BREAKING: CNN's new CEO Chris Licht informs employees of new layoffs underway as mass purge continues:

"Today we will notify a limited number of individuals, largely some of our paid contributors, as part of a recalibrated reporting strategy" pic.twitter.com/qSpeaaEJqH

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) November 30, 2022

Licht had previously warned employees in late October that the news division would be undergoing a restructuring as he cited “widespread concern over the global economic outlook.”

Anchor Don Lemon recently attempted to deny suggestions that CNN has changed its editorial strategy under Licht or had a liberal bias in years past.

Lemon responded to a sarcastic question from late-night host Stephen Colbert about the reported shift, “I don’t think we ever were liberal.”

“What Chris is saying is that he wants Republicans, sensible Republicans. He wants us to hold people to account,” Lemon insisted.

It was reported mid-October that despite rumors anchor Jim Acosta’s job could be in jeopardy, he is reportedly safe for the time being.