CNN has announced plans to lay off around 200 employees as part of a restructuring aimed at becoming a more digital-focused news organization.

In a memo to staff, CEO Mark Thompson emphasized the necessity of adapting to changing audience consumption habits and highlighted the importance of delivering high-quality news.

The network is collaborating with cable and satellite operators to launch a new streaming service, recognizing the shift in consumer preferences towards streaming.

CNN plans to introduce a new subscription streaming service that will allow digital subscribers to access news programming on various devices.

As part of its digital strategy, CNN has launched a paid subscription service priced at $3.99 per month, which limits access to certain articles after a set number of free reads.

Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN's parent company, is investing $70 million to support the implementation of these new digital initiatives, which include hiring at least 100 new employees.

To enhance competitiveness, CNN is refreshing its weekday domestic TV schedule, which will include changes to its programming lineup.

Under the new weekday lineup set to launch in March 2025, 'Situation Room' with Wolf Blitzer will air from 10am to 12pm, featuring Pamela Brown as co-anchor.

The layoffs are not expected to affect CNN's most recognizable personalities, as they are under contract, although off-camera staff may see significant changes.

Thompson acknowledged the human impact of these job losses but stressed that such changes are essential for CNN's future success and sustainability.

This strategic shift has been in the works since Thompson took over leadership over a year ago, in response to declining ratings following the 2016 election.

The anticipated staffing cuts have been speculated for weeks, with confirmation of their imminent nature coming on January 22, 2025.