CNN is reportedly in the process of shedding hundreds of employees.
On Monday afternoon, TV News insider website FTVLive reported that the cable news giant is preparing to part ways with 300 staffers. The report said the cuts would include 100 buyouts, and about 200 layoffs.
Among those leaving is Tony Maddox, executive VP and managing director of CNN International. Maddox announced his exit in an email to staffers dated Monday, May 6, 2019.
“After 21 years I am leaving CNN,” said the email obtained by FTVLive. “It has been the honor of my life to work for, and then lead CNN International. What a privilege to make a living doing such important work with truly outstanding people.”
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Maddox continued, “I always feel enormous pride when I say I am with CNN. This really is a remarkable company. Working for it is real life, amplified. Everything is more intense, vivid, and in the end, so rewarding. And now, I am ready for a rest.”
CNN did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
However, an insider on Monday told Urban Hollywood 411 that buyouts were offered at several CNN locations over the past month, including the network’s Los Angeles bureau. The insider said there were only a few takers in L.A., but two employees who opted for the buyouts are in senior level leadership positions.
Over the years, the Los Angeles bureau has been particularly hard hit by staff reductions. In 2014, CNN made widespread cuts at the bureau and disbanded its entertainment unit — which covered red carpet events and award shows. Among those who left the company in that round of cuts was an executive producer, a unit supervisor, senior producers, producers, photographers and video editors.
CNN was recently acquired by AT&T when it took over WarnerMedia, previously known as Time Warner.
On March 27, the Wall Street Journal reported that AT&T’s WarnerMedia had ordered head count reductions at its Turner unit, which includes CNN, HLN, TNT, TBS and Turner Sports.
“The company is offering buyouts to U.S. Turner employees who are at least 55 years old and would have 10 or more years of service by year-end,” the Journal said.
