CNBC to close Hong Kong operations, scrap international shows in major overhaul

CNBC is set to close its operations in Hong Kong and discontinue several international daily shows as part of a major overhaul affecting Asia and Europe. This decision, communicated to staff on Wednesday, was made after months of evaluating the international programming's commercial viability and resource deployment. The company's management stated, "a number of very difficult decisions" were made due to evolving production needs in Asia.

Key production hubs for CNBC will remain in London, Singapore, Beijing, and Abu Dhabi, providing studio, editorial, and technical capabilities. Roles across various international teams and locations will be eliminated, with affected employees notified directly. CNBC confirmed that programming from its Hong Kong office ceased the previous day and that a small number of employees were impacted by the closure, though no individual circumstances were disclosed.

The closure is part of broader changes to CNBC's international programming and production needs, unrelated to local operating conditions. Despite the physical exit from Hong Kong, CNBC pledged to maintain its commitment to international audiences through its teams in Singapore and reporters based in Beijing. The broadcaster will discontinue programming such as Inside India, The China Connection, and Europe Early Edition, with feature series like CNBC Meets and Built for Billions concluding once current broadcasts end.