CNN Cuts Workforce Amid Shift to Digital
CNN has announced it will lay off 6% of its workforce, amounting to approximately 210 employees, as part of a strategic pivot away from cable news toward digital-first initiatives. The company plans to invest $70 million into new digital platforms, which aim to capture a younger, more digitally savvy audience. The layoffs come as CNN navigates the challenges of declining cable subscriptions and increasing competition in the digital news space.

The move reflects broader industry trends, with traditional cable networks facing growing pressure from online media outlets and streaming services. CNN’s digital plans are expected to focus on innovative content delivery, likely including on-demand video, live streaming, and mobile-first formats. While the layoffs mark a difficult transition, the $70 million investment underscores CNN’s commitment to reinventing itself in the digital age.

Walmart Boosts Salaries for Market Managers
Walmart is raising the stakes in its competition for top managerial talent, announcing significant pay increases for its 400+ market managers who oversee roughly 12 stores each. These managers can now earn up to $620,000 per year, including bonuses and stock awards. Starting salaries for the role have also seen a sharp increase, jumping by 25% to $160,000.

The pay hikes come as Walmart looks to attract and retain high-performing leaders in a tight labor market. Market managers play a critical role in Walmart’s operations, overseeing dozens of stores and managing billions of dollars in annual revenue. The company’s decision to increase compensation aligns with broader efforts across corporate America to invest in leadership and mitigate the effects of high employee turnover.

Comcast Enters the Streaming Wars with Sports Bundle
Comcast has launched a $70-per-month sports-focused streaming package that includes live games, access to over 50 news and sports channels, Peacock Premium, and more. The bundle is designed to appeal to cord-cutting sports fans who want a comprehensive offering without a traditional cable subscription.

This move positions Comcast against competitors like DirecTV, which offers a similar sports streaming deal. However, the competition remains fierce, as demonstrated by the failure of Venu—a joint sports bundle venture from ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery—which folded before it even launched.

Comcast’s new bundle reflects the growing demand for customizable streaming services, particularly in the sports sector, as consumers continue to seek alternatives to traditional cable packages.