CNN, the once-revered news network, is facing a tough road ahead as it struggles to stay afloat amidst plummeting ratings and an outdated business model. According to a recent report by TheWrap, CNN boss Mark Thompson has his sights set on a digital-first transformation in hopes of reviving the ailing cable network.
But Thompson’s plans may not sit well with CNN’s star anchors, who are currently raking in a whopping $50 million a year in salaries. That’s right folks, while the rest of us are just trying to make ends meet, these media elites are living it up with multi-million dollar paychecks. But with dwindling viewership and revenue, it looks like those fat paychecks may be on the chopping block.
CNN’s new top-ranking executive, Mark Thompson, plans to cut anchor salaries, which currently exceed $50 million, as part of a strategy t…
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⬆️ ⬆️ ⬆️— The National Pulse (@TheNatPulse) February 17, 2024
Thompson has already made some major moves, including cutting popular hosts Poppy Harlow and Phil Mattingly from “This Morning” and reshuffling the morning programming. But it seems the real target of Thompson’s cost-cutting measures are the big-name anchors who are draining CNN’s budget.
And while Thompson may be looking to slash salaries, it’s not going to be an easy task. Some of CNN’s top earners, like Anderson Cooper and Jake Tapper, are locked into contracts that won’t expire until after the 2026 presidential election. But with the network’s ratings in a free fall, Thompson may not have much choice if he wants to keep CNN afloat.
But let’s be honest, it’s not just about the money. CNN’s biased and leftist agenda has caused a major backlash from viewers. And as if that wasn’t bad enough, the network can’t seem to get out of its own way, with failed attempts at a digital subscription service and adding CNN Max to Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming platform to try to bring in more viewers.
Let’s face it, CNN is a sinking ship and Thompson’s desperation to save it has him grasping at straws. But cutting anchors’ salaries is just a Band-Aid on a much bigger problem. Maybe instead of focusing on costs, Thompson should consider changing course and focusing on providing unbiased, quality news coverage.
“We only know as much as Mark puts out in his memos. We are all still waiting for the other shoe to drop,” the staffer said. “Until then, its business as usual.”
But hey, when you’re lagging behind the History Channel and some obscure channel founded by televangelists, maybe it’s time to admit defeat and hang up the “fake news” hat for good.
CNN’s average nightly ratings is 500k 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/oflASHo2ZE
— Darla Shine 👑 (@DarlaShine) February 16, 2024
