CNN's sister network HLN is being absolutely decimated in the latest round of layoffs by management.
The two failing networks are having to make very serious cuts in order to stay afloat in a time of economic uncertainty.
From Variety:
CNN's cost-cutting efforts are expected to have significant effects on the cable network HLN, according to four people familiar with the matter, with potential ramifications for one of the nation's longest-running morning programs.
HLN, the cable network once known as CNN Headline News, is home to a bevy of true-crime series, endless showings of "Forensic Files," and "Morning Express with Robin Meade," with a host who has been at the network since 2001. Now, all of that is under the microscope. In addition, a number of popular correspondents and journalists were terminated from the Warner Bros. Discovery backed outlet Thursday.
CNN will no longer produce live programs for HLN, according to one of these people, and will simulcast "CNN This Morning" in place of "Morning Express," the A.M. news program that takes up most of HLN's daytime schedule. HLN's true-crime programming will be placed under the aegis of Warner Bros. Discovery executive Kathleen Finch, and made more a part of the operations of the company's ID cable network.
HLN will no longer air news, but instead, just air old reality crime shows all day long.
And it's not just HLN that's on the chopping block.
CNN executives were expected to inform staffers about layoffs at the network Thursday morning, according to these people. CNN correspondents Alison Kosik, Martin Savidge, Alex Field, Mary Ann Fox and Chris Cillizza are among the staffers who have been let go, according to two people familiar with the matter. A CNN spokesperson declined to comment.
CNN typically operates with a staff of between 4,000 and 4,500, according to a person familiar with the matter. The layoffs have been anticipated since CNN CEO Chris Licht in October signaled a tougher operating environment, and indicated he hoped to have cost cuts completed by the end of the year.
Yes, sadly, one of the media's most egregious hacks and TDS sufferers, Chris Cillizza may now be gone from the CNN airwaves.
Here's some of the groundbreaking commentary we'll miss now that Chris Cillizza is unemployed:
