The restructuring is expected to be completed by mid-2026, with the CEO of the newly spun-off cable division, Gunnar Wiedenfels, taking the lead in overseeing CNN’s future. Prior to the split, CNN was seen as a drag on Warner Bros. Discovery’s more profitable ventures, prompting concerns about the network’s viability in the current media landscape.
Industry observers and media insiders have expressed concerns about the potential consequences for the network’s employees and its content. Some have speculated that CNN might face a similar fate to its sister network, HLN, which ceased live programming in 2022 following a major restructuring. These changes could result in significant losses for the network’s staff and a decline in the quality of its content.
Despite these challenges, some industry analysts remain optimistic that CNN could still remain relevant if it can adapt to the evolving media environment. However, with the network’s ratings and revenue continuing to decline, the future of the network remains uncertain as Warner Bros. Discovery prepares for its massive reorganization.