CNN announced the layoffs of about 200 workers as it attempts to modernize its business

Warner Bros. Discovery CNN announced Thursday that it will cut about 6% of its total staff, or about 210 employees, as it refocuses its business around a global digital audience.

CNN CEO Mark Thompson announced the job losses in a memo to employees on Thursday, confirming a CNBC report on Wednesday that cuts were coming. In the memo, Thompson noted that CNN does not expect total headcount to decline “much” this year because the company plans to invest $70 million in new digital plans.

“I know that whatever the total number of job losses, the impact on the individuals involved could be enormous,” Thompson wrote in the memo obtained by CNBC. “The process of change is necessary if we are to thrive in the future, but I acknowledge and regret its very real human consequences.”

The layoffs come as CNN reshuffles its linear TV lineup and builds out digital subscription products. The cuts will help CNN cut production costs and consolidate teams, according to people familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss non-public thinking. Some shows produced in New York or Washington may move to Atlanta, where production can be done at a lower cost, the people said.

For the most part, the job cuts won't affect CNN's best-known names, who are contractors, the people said. CNN has about 3,500 employees worldwide.

A CNN spokesperson declined to comment beyond Thompson's statement.

CNN announced several new initiatives in the memo. The company is planning a new way for digital subscribers to stream CNN outside of CNN Max, which exists within Warner Bros.' broader Max streaming service. Discovery. CNN plans to announce content details “in the coming months,” Thompson said in the memo to employees. CNN had planned to launch its own live streaming service, CNN+, in 2022, but the service was not completed It was closed Almost immediately by Chris Licht, who was appointed to take over as CEO.

In October, CNN Launching a digital paywall, Heaviest users of the site charge $3.99 per month. The news organization's goal is to reach $1 billion in revenue by 2030.

CNN plans to hire at least 100 new jobs in the coming months to build a broader digital presence, investing in products and technology as well as “new, high-quality journalism and storytelling.” Part of this investment will be in a “digital lifestyle product” that CNN is developing.

CNN is also revamping its linear television schedule in the United States and internationally.