CNN+ sends out welcome gift baskets to laid-off employees

Just when you thought the CNN+ fiasco was dead and couldn’t get any more embarrassing — it’s getting more embarrassing, somehow.

CNN+ — the cable news network’s streaming service that billed viewers $6 a month — launched March 29 and shut down April 28 estimated $300 million to launch a failing product, plus another $100 to $200 million to promote the doomed company, CNN+ has reportedly only reached a pitiful 5,000 to 10,000 viewers per day.

“CNN Plus hired about 700 people for its launch,” the company said Washington Post reported last month. “A source at the network said 350 people will be affected by layoffs, although the company expects many of those employees to find new roles within the company, return to CNN or fill open positions at Discovery-owned networks such as the HBO Max streaming service. “

A former CNN+ designer – who only worked for the streaming service for a few months – recounted insider the experience of being canned by the company: “I remember texting my roommates and telling them I was going to be fired. Everyone was deeply shocked.”

A week after the workers were laid off by streaming service Warner Bros. Discovery’s parent company, welcome baskets were sent to the laid-off employees, according to CNN+ Wall Street Journal.

The welcome baskets contained items such as CNN-branded pens, food containers, popcorn makers, and headphones.

To add insult to injury to the fired service workers who couldn’t survive a full month, there was a welcome note that read: “This is an incredible time to be a part of CNN. Build relationships and take time to connect with colleagues and learn so you can make the most of your time here.”

CNN told the WSJ that the outdated welcome baskets were “accidentally” sent out.

While the network may not have had enough money to retain staff, CNN had enough money to host a “Political Hangover” brunch to end the White House Correspondents’ weekend – which angered an ex-staff member.

“The hangover brunch lived up to its name with a Bloody Mary station as well as an Aperol spritz bar and a coffee bar serving lattes adorned with the CNN logo.” The hill reported.

The event was attended by CNN personalities including Jake TapperDana Bash, Jim Acosta, Brian Stelter, Don Lemon, Melanie Zanona, Priscilla Alvarez, Daniella Diaz, Melissa Macaya and Maegan Vazquez.

The event infuriated at least one former CNN contributor who related it Radar online“Here they’re paying heaps of money for a ‘hangover’ brunch to end the WHCD weekend. The management is completely deaf. On the other hand, frugal spending isn’t really their forte.”

The ex-employee added: “It’s crazy. The network never ceases to surprise, doesn’t it?”