Internet stunned as CNN's Chris Wallace, Anderson Cooper and Jake Tapper reportedly on 'chopping block'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The era of high-profile figures commanding exorbitant salaries at CNN appears to be drawing to a close, signaling a seismic shift in the media landscape.

According to yahoo.com New CEO Mark Thompson is reportedly implementing stringent budget cuts to overhaul the network, and insiders suggest that prominent anchors like Anderson Cooper, Chris Wallace, Wolf Blitzer, and Jake Tapper are in the crosshairs.

High stakes and uncertainty grip CNN's star-studded lineup

According to an exclusive source, Anderson Cooper is acutely aware of his precarious position, given his substantial $20 million annual salary, and has reportedly initiated a search for alternative opportunities.

The insider reveals, “Anderson knows he’s on the chopping block because he makes a whopping $20 million a year. He’s already started looking for a new gig!” a network insider exclusively tells In Touch. “Chris Wallace takes $8 million and figures he’s a likely target, too!”

The network's other favorites, including Wolf Blitzer, who commands $15 million, and Jake Tapper, with an $8 million salary, are reportedly bracing themselves for potential departures.

The prevailing sentiment within CNN is one of heightened uncertainty as the focus shifts to cost-cutting measures, as noted by an insider, "Everybody knows the focus is on cutting costs. No one is safe!"

While contracts for key anchors like Cooper and Tapper extend beyond the November election, insiders suggest that the post-election period is a time of heightened vulnerability.

The article notes, "Contracts for most of the heavy hitters — including Cooper and Tapper — won’t expire until after the November election, but insiders say that after that, all bets are off!"

CNN trying to 'keep up with the news landscape'

Jake Tapper's representative refutes talk of his ouster, asserting that such claims are false. However, Mark Thompson, known for wielding a sharp axe to achieve financial goals, has recently made strategic moves, such as removing hosts Poppy Harlow and Phil Mattingly from 'CNN This Morning' and consolidating production offices in Atlanta to cut costs.

Insiders reveal Thompson's aversion to the star system and hefty salaries, with indications that he aims to replace marquee names with social media-savvy talent.

Former FOX and NBC anchor Megyn Kelly, boasting 1.72 million subscribers on YouTube, is reportedly on Thompson's radar as a potential addition.

As CNN grapples with its lowest ratings since 2014 and a historic dip in the 25-to-54 age segment crucial for advertisers, the network appears to be striving to adapt. A source comments,

“CNN is trying to keep up with the news landscape and become a digital-first provider,” snaps a source.“It makes sense for them to pursue anchors who have already established a presence there — especially if TV becomes history in their portfolio!”

Internet says CNN 'truly aren't traditional media'

As news of CNN's major talent shakeup reverberates, users take to social media to voice their opinions on the state of traditional media.

One user wrote, "That’s literally their top folks. Traditional media is DYING!."

Another added, "I just hate the acting and the star like quality. Not sad to see him cooper go."

One replied, "Traditional News Media" died in the 70's! They used to present facts, now we have opinion media."

One user replied, "They truly aren't traditional media. They're partisan hacks."

Another added, "That’s a horrifying thought."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.