CNN to cut 400 jobs

Computerworld - CNN announced sweeping reorganization plans today in the wake of the AOL-Times Warner merger that includes the elimination of 400 jobs, or almost 10% of its workforce.

As part of the restructuring, television network CNNfn and its Web site CNNfn.com will be merged into one unit, CNNfn.

Of the 400 positions scheduled for elimination, approximately one-third will come from CNN's interactive staff, said spokeswoman Edna Johnson. Another third will come from programming, and the remainder from different areas across the country. The company said it would officially inform those who are losing their jobs sometime next week.

In addition, editorial content will be integrated across all channels, including television, radio, Web sites and related channels such as wireless devices and private networks.

CNN's journalists have started training to produce content individually suited to television, radio and the Web.

"CNN's goal is to have all its correspondents prepared to package stories for more than one venue, allowing us to speak with one voice in reporting that will cross over from one media platform to another," said Eason Jordan, chief news executive and president of Newsgathering for the CNN News Group, in a press release issued today.

The announcement comes after other well-known media organizations, including The New York Times and News Corp. reported reorganizations and staff cuts, chiefly in their online operations (see story).

Cable News Network was created by Ted Turner in 1980 and is now under the umbrella of AOL Time Warner.

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