CNN is expected to lay off about 200 employees, or 6 percent of its workforce, as the network shifts its focus to digital services.
"The changes we’re announcing today are part of an ongoing response by this great news organization to profound and irreversible shifts in the way audiences in America and around the world consume news," Thompson wrote.
"Our objective is a simple one: to shift CNN’s gravity towards the platforms and products where the audience themselves are shifting and, by doing that, to secure CNN’s future as one of the world’s greatest news organizations. America and the world need high quality, fair-minded, trustworthy sources of news more than ever. This difficult and sometimes painful process of change is the only way to make sure we can still provide it," he added.
NTD reached out to CNN for a statement regarding the layoffs but did not receive an immediate response.
Thompson said there are plans to launch another streaming product in addition to its 24/7 livestream platform called CNN Max. Although the streaming service has 110 million global subscribers and has been a "tremendous resource" for the company, it's not the "complete answer" to CNN's digital future, according to the CEO.
Despite the layoffs, Thompson said that he doesn't expect the overall headcount to change. That's because the network will invest $70 million in its digital business, which will create more job openings and go toward "new high-quality journalism and storytelling," he said. Details of the new platform were not disclosed.
Last summer, the network let go of 100 people, or three percent of its workforce, as part of its reorganization plans.
Other major changes are coming to the network, including a "fresh new TV schedule" and modernizing the CNN newsroom.