First on TVNewser: CNN’s American Morning cut eight staffers Friday as executive producer Janelle Rodriguez continues to fine tune the broadcast she took over last April. An insider tells us the grim economic picture is not to blame. Those cut include writers and producers.

“This is driven by editorial changes in the program,” a CNN spokesperson tells TVNewser. “The show has evolved and this staff restructuring will better meet the program’s current editorial needs.”

The insider also tells us the show is looking to hire three new producers.

American Morning saw big day-after-election day gains in viewership, but in the last week the show has returned to second place behind Fox & Friends. Those numbers, and year-to-year comparison, after the jump…

Nov. 6 – 13, 2008 (6-9amET)

Total Viewers
FOX & Friends — 1,195,000
American Morning — 646,000
Morning Joe — 611,000

A25-54 Demo
FOX & Friends — 352,000
American Morning — 277,000
Morning Joe — 250,000

Nov. 8 – 15, 2007 (6-9amET)

Total Viewers
FOX & Friends — 843,000
American Morning — 364,000
Morning Joe — 246,000

A25-54 Demo
FOX & Friends — 285,000
American Morning — 110,000
Morning Joe — 80,000