CNN Primetime Viewers Plummet Two-Thirds

CNN has experienced a drastic reduction in its primetime audience, losing nearly two-thirds of its viewers over the last decade. The number has fallen from about 1.3 million in 2016 to just 553,000 in the current reporting period. This steep decline, which saw an improvement from January's low of 488,000, has intensified speculation about a possible sale of the network, although its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, has denied such intentions.

The downturn is not isolated to primetime. CNN's daytime lineup has also seen a significant drop, with viewers decreasing from 752,000 to 433,000. Network executives reportedly find these results worrying, even acknowledging broader industry trends. One CNN source attributed the decline to evolving news consumption habits, while a rival executive suggested that if streaming numbers aren't compensating, the situation is indeed cause for concern.

In response to these challenges and to herald a long-promised move to digital, CNN conducted layoffs at the start of 2025. CEO Mark Thompson has outlined a strategic shift, emphasizing a transition to vertical videos and a more integrated digital experience. This restructuring follows a failed leadership stint under former CEO Christ Licht and a broader trend of audience migration away from traditional linear television, especially noticeable during Donald Trump's second presidency.