Cable news in chaos after 3 major departures

A slew of shocking media firings, all occurring in less than 24 hours for different reasons, has thrown the cable news industry into a tailspin.

Why it matters: Cable news is already under extraordinary pressure to survive. But the drama engulfing some of the industry's top personnel is putting a spotlight on how chaotic the industry has become.

Be smart: The three companies involved — Fox News, CNN and NBCU — haven't publicly tapped permanent replacements for the departed execs and hosts, suggesting the networks were unprepared for the significant and public personnel changes.

Driving the news: Shocking news broke Monday that two top cable news anchors had been fired — less than a day after NBCU CEO Jeff Shell was unexpectedly fired for an inappropriate workplace relationship.