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CNN to Shift Spanish-Language Network to Mexico City
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Scaling Back Production for Linear TV
CNN en Espanol operations will be moved to Mexico City, with a shift towards content development for mobile video, as the network looks to cater to its younger demographic. The move will likely lead to job losses in Atlanta and Miami, but the company aims to create new jobs in Mexico and Los Angeles.
The future of Spanish-language news network CNN en Espanol has been in question for some time as media companies grapple with economic issues, but the company intends to maintain its outreach to Spanish-speaking audiences across the world. There has been focus on the future potential for cable networks in Latin America that have a limited domestic distribution.
Aiming for Sustainable Growth
CNN CEO Chris Licht has been upfront about the company’s plans for its Espanol audience, with a recognition of potential for future growth. In November, Licht commented at a town-hall meeting that he didn’t agree with previous plans to shut down CNN en Espanol and instead wanted to ensure that it thrived in the future. With growing concerns of releasing staff over job cuts operations, this decision is seen as necessary to keep the company sustainable in the future.
Investing in Digital Platform
CNN en Espanol has limited distribution of nine million in the US but is popular worldwide, distributed to Argentina, Spain, and Colombia among others. According to senior executives, digital viewership has grown so the company intends to focus more explicitly on digital content and invest in new studio operations in Mexico City. Correspondents will remain in place for breaking news coverage, but programming focused entirely on linear distribution will be scaled back.
There are no easy answers for legacy media companies seeking to evolve for the modern era, but the move by CNN en Espanol can be seen as an important step to remain lasting and maintain relevance.
