CNN Considers Major Staff Shake-Up Amid Tanking Ratings: Report

In the face of tanking viewership, national network CNN is reportedly considering a major restructuring in hopes of rectifying its sullied reputation and bringing viewers back. 

In October of 2021, it was revealed that CNN was averaging less than one million views per episode on their regular shows. An article from Fox News went in depth on the network’s struggles.

“During the month of October, nearly every single program failed to average 1 million viewers, according to Nielsen data. This marks historic lows for the so-called ‘most trusted name in news.’ The only two exceptions during the 31 days were the 90-minute Biden town hall, which still came in third place behind Fox News and MSNBC averaging only 1.2 million viewers, and the 30-minute ‘Cuomo Prime Time’ that aired immediately after with 1.1 million.”

The article then discussed the marked difference between CNN’s viewership and the viewership of Fox News and MSNBC, both considered to be among the largest of media pundits.

“CNN averaged a devastating 480,000 in total day viewership in October, a whopping 76% drop from January amid the chaotic transition from President Trump to President Biden,” the article said. “Fox News averaged 1.4 million and maintained its total day viewership from earlier this year while MSNBC averaged 657,000 viewers in October, resulting in a 61% drop from January. The network lost 14% of its viewers from September.”

Now, reports indicate that CNN plans to return to its roots, claiming that they will be returning to a 100% all-news lineup, nixing their political shows and opinion pieces. CNN was the first 24-hour news outlet.

It is expected that this move will cause a significant number of firings in the next several months, as the network begins to make the shift.

Jon Nicosia, former Mediaite and IJR managing editor, reported that, while this shift was possible, another route being considered involves replacing CNN’s worst performing shows with documentaries.

“‘Cuomo Prime Time’ was CNN’s most-watched program in October, which does not amount to much since its beleaguered anchor Chris Cuomo reached an average of just 807,000 viewers, losing 8% of his audience since September.” Fox News continued, noting that “Cuomo suffered yet another uncomfortable news cycle after his brother, disgraced former Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, was charged with a sex crime, which went unmentioned on ‘Cuomo Prime Time.’”