More Layoffs Hit CNN

 

CNN is laying off people in its audio division, according to Insider citing a number of  affected staffers. One product manager posted on LinkedIn that their position had been eliminated and that the company told staff it planned to produce fewer audio series in 2023. 

Another person who was laid off told Insider that about eight people were affected, impacting editorial and sales. A CNN spokesperson confirmed a small number of cuts in audio took place.

"Audio is an important growth area for the company," the CNN rep said. "Over the last several years we've learned a lot about the topics and productions that most resonate with our audiences. As a result, we've refined our strategy to focus our resources more specifically in those areas."  

CNN made a big push into audio in February 2020, announcing a dedicated division and naming leadership to head it, including Lisa Namerow, head of podcast and audio partnerships, Daniel Kantor, CNN's vice president of podcasts and audio, and Megan Marcus, executive producer for CNN Audio. Kantor left the company in February, and earlier in September, LinkedIn hired away CNN digital VP Courtney Coupe, who also oversaw development and production on podcasts.

CNN parent Warner Bros. Discovery has been wielding its own axe as it looks to wring $3 billion in synergies out of the recently combined company. More than 239 staffers were cut when WBD shuttered the network's streaming app, CNN+, just one month after its launch. Other areas that have been cut include most of HBO Max's non-scripted division and TBS/TNT's scripted teams. Sales teams at the company have also been hit.