Cable News Network eliminated its long-running Sports Tonight program
from its schedule and laid off 11 CNN/SI staffers Thursday.
CNN said the cuts had been planned for some time as part of a broader
restructuring, but a spokeswoman added that Tuesday's terrorist attacks, which
bumped all sports programming from CNN, contributed to the timing.
Veteran sports anchor Fred Hickman resigned voluntarily, the spokeswoman
said. Those who were cut included on-air talent and production personnel, but
CNN refused to name anyone who lost their jobs.
In January, CNN laid off 400 staffers. In May, it cut about 20 employees from
its CNN Interactive division.
The cuts come as CNN is investing heavily in higher-priced talent. The
network recently hired former Fox News Channel anchor Paula Zahn, signing her to
a contract that sources said is worth $2.1 million annually.
