CNN revealed a major restructuring on Thursday that includes approximately 200 job cuts, a stronger focus on digital content, and new television roles for well-known personalities like Wolf Blitzer, Jake Tapper, and Audie Cornish.

This marks the most significant transformation under CEO Mark Thompson, who has been leading the network for the past 18 months. Thompson, previously at the helm of The New York Times and the BBC, was brought in by parent company Warner Bros. Discovery to revitalize CNN’s declining performance.

The layoffs primarily affect CNN’s television division, which has suffered from declining ratings as viewers move away from cable and turn to alternative news sources. However, CNN emphasized that these reductions will be balanced by new hires in digital, where Warner Bros. Discovery is investing $70 million.

“This isn’t about cutting costs,” Thompson stated in an interview. “We’re actually increasing our investment.”

The media industry as a whole has been experiencing job cuts, and CNN has struggled with ratings since former President Donald Trump left office. The network saw a significant drop in viewership, with Trump’s recent inauguration coverage drawing 1.7 million viewers compared to the 8 million who tuned in for President Joe Biden’s ceremony four years ago. Audience numbers often fluctuate based on the political figure in the spotlight.

CNN also faced a legal setback recently when a Florida jury held the network responsible for defaming a U.S. Navy veteran in a report about efforts to rescue endangered Afghans following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. CNN settled the case before damages were fully determined, though the financial impact remains undisclosed.

As part of its evolution, CNN is developing a new streaming product that will allow viewers to watch video content on any device. However, this service will not mirror traditional TV broadcasts, and a launch date has yet to be announced.

Since taking over, Thompson has spearheaded changes on CNN.com, including redesigns and new features. In late 2023, the network introduced a subscription model, charging $3.99 per month or $29.99 per year for heavy users. Additionally, CNN is expanding its online presence with content focused on lifestyle, weather, and sports.

Thompson appears to be applying a similar strategy at CNN as he did at The New York Times, where he modernized the company’s digital business. CNN executives see opportunities for growth, particularly through video content and the network’s international reach, differentiating it from competitors like the Times.

“This transformation isn’t just a one-time change—it’s an ongoing process of investment, experimentation, and adaptation that will span years,” Thompson explained in a memo to staff. “Our goal is simple: to shift CNN’s focus to the platforms and products where audiences are heading.”

To reduce costs in television, CNN is streamlining its staff and moving some technical operations to its Atlanta office.

Along with these changes, CNN announced a new programming lineup: Blitzer’s "Situation Room" is moving to 10 a.m. Eastern, with Pamela Brown joining as co-anchor. Tapper’s two-hour show will now begin at 5 p.m., Cornish will take over "CNN This Morning" at 6 a.m., Kasie Hunt will launch "The Arena" at 4 p.m., and Rahel Solomon will host "5 Things" at 5 a.m.

Notably absent from the current schedule is Jim Acosta, a frequent critic of Trump during his presidency. CNN stated that Acosta is in negotiations for a new role after reportedly resisting a late-night assignment.

Beyond shifts in viewing habits, CNN also faces resistance from Trump supporters who view the network as biased. Many of them took to social media on Thursday to express satisfaction over the layoffs.

“Not only is Trump more powerful than ever politically, but he may have also dismantled legacy media as we know it,” wrote radio host and OutKick founder Clay Travis on X.

Despite these challenges, Thompson emphasized CNN’s commitment to rigorous journalism and fact-based reporting, allowing audiences to form their own opinions. He pointed to Abby Phillip’s prime-time show as a rare cable news program that facilitates genuine debates between people with opposing perspectives.

“Our job as journalists is to keep working diligently and let our reporting speak for itself,” he said.