TVNewser has learned that writers at CNN headquarters in Atlanta were told Friday that their jobs are being reclassified as Writer/Producer, leaving many longtime staffers with the choice of re-applying for their jobs or departing the network with a severance package.
CNN confirms the move telling us it’s part of a reorganization of CNN Newsroom — the 9am-4pm Mon-Fri and weekend programming — moving to hybrid writer/producer positions. About two dozen positions are impacted. “This new structure invests and plans for the future needs of the program,” says CNN spokesperson Bridget Leininger. “It is not a cost-cutting measure by any means. We are posting more new positions than writers impacted.”
The new jobs were posted Friday. Current staffers have two weeks to apply. “We will have to furnish resumes, cover letters, etc., just like we’re starting over,” an insider tells us, adding “Many of us are 15, 20 and 25-year veterans at CNN Atlanta.”
The severance package includes two weeks pay for every year of service, plus two extra weeks.