CNBC Lays Off Small Number of Editorial Employees

Variety

by Brian Steinberg

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

CNBC has announced a restructuring of its editorial team, resulting in the layoff of fewer than a dozen employees. These changes were made under the leadership of the new Editor-in-Chief, David Cho, who joined the network in August 2023. Among those departing is Jeffrey McCracken, the managing editor of CNBC’s digital news platforms. The network clarified that these adjustments are not driven by cost-cutting but rather by a strategic reorganization aimed at aligning the newsroom for future growth. CNBC also stated plans to hire over 40 new editorial roles across TV, Digital, and direct-to-consumer platforms in the coming year. David Cho, who previously served as the top editorial executive at News Corp.’s Barron’s, was tasked with breaking down silos between CNBC’s television and online operations. His mandate includes integrating these departments to create a more cohesive content strategy. Before joining Barron’s, Cho held leadership roles at The Washington Post, The Star-Ledger, and other prominent media outlets. His arrival marks a shift in CNBC’s direction, with the network focusing on aligning its programming with the needs of serious market investors rather than maintaining its earlier glitzier content. In recent months, CNBC has shifted its focus toward stock and bond market coverage, targeting die-hard financial enthusiasts. The network has also launched a streaming product offering both U.S. and international programming to subscribers. Additionally, one of its top producers has been assigned to oversee new editorial “verticals,” such as wealth management, women’s leadership, and the business of sports. These changes reflect CNBC’s strategic pivot under Cho, emphasizing long-term growth and innovation in content delivery. For readers interested in entertainment and media trends, these developments highlight the evolving landscape of financial news broadcasting. The reorganization signals a move toward more specialized and integrated content creation, aligning with broader industry shifts toward digital-first strategies. As networks like CNBC adapt to changing viewer preferences and technological advancements, such restructuring efforts underscore the importance of innovation and strategic planning in maintaining relevance in the competitive media landscape.

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Originally published on Variety on 2/26/2026