Layoffs have begun at CNN.
As many as 300, or 8%, of CNN’s workforce is being cut in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., New York and Los Angeles. About 130 staffers have taken a voluntary buyout, other open positions are not being filled. The remainder, about 170 positions, are the result of layoffs which are happening today and tomorrow.
One of the most high profile departures is Darius Walker, VP and Northeast Bureau Chief based in New York. Walker has been with CNN since 1996, beginning as a senior editor on the international desk in Atlanta. He’s also had stints in the Washington bureau and at CNNfn.
We hear up to 28 jobs are being cut in Washington, D.C., many are news-gathering positions.
The CNN entertainment unit is also being disbanded and staffers in New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles are departing. (Correspondent Nischelle Turner left the network last week for “Entertainment Tonight.”)
Mashable reports Christiane Amanpour’s New York-based staff has also been cut.
“The changes this week are difficult yet necessary,” a CNN spokesperson tells TVNewser. “Out of respect for our colleagues directly impacted, we won’t be commenting on specific people or programs.”
CNN is just one of the Turner networks facing cuts that are part of CEO John Martin’s goal to create what he describes as a more “streamlined, nimble and efficient company.”
Developing…
More: Jane Velez Mitchell’s HLN show has been canceled. All staff will be departing.