NEW: CNN Expected To Fire Star Personalities

One of the most recognizable names in American news media is reportedly planning to part ways with several of its high-profile personalities.

Amid a significant ratings decline, CNN has been put in a precarious financial and operational position. According to sources close to the network, these upcoming changes reflect a larger strategy to redefine CNN’s programming approach and restore its competitive edge in an increasingly fractured media landscape.

As the dust settles post-election, CNN’s CEO Mark Thompson is set to roll out a sweeping transformation plan for the network—one that includes substantial layoffs, potentially affecting hundreds of staff. Many of CNN’s journalists, who were taken aback by Trump’s decisive victory, now face a harsh reality: their own positions may not be secure in Thompson’s ambitious reshaping of the organization

“Some of the on-air talent are also likely to be affected. At the same time, CNN plans to create new positions across the organization that will service Thompson’s new digital-first business. One source posited that the transformation might even result in a net gain of employees. We’ll see. A network spokesperson declined to comment. Meanwhile, insiders describe an atmosphere of high stress and high anxiety.”

The latest stirrings reveal that high-profile CNN stars, including Anderson Cooper, still collect hefty paychecks—Cooper at $20 million annually—even as ratings continue to dip. Erin Burnett and Kaitlan Collins are reported to earn $3 million and $6 million each. Meanwhile, longtime anchors Jake Tapper and Wolf Blitzer reportedly had requests for raises declined, despite their substantial salaries of $3 million and $7 million. On Monday, veteran journalist Chris Wallace announced he would depart CNN after years with the network and a reported salary of $8.5 million.