CNN to Launch New Streaming Service This Fall

News Summary

CNN is set to debut a new streaming service this fall, aiming to innovate its digital offerings following the cancellation of CNN+. While specifics on pricing and release date are not yet revealed, the platform will provide live and on-demand content. This move is part of CNN’s strategy to enhance viewer engagement and adapt to the changing media landscape. A $70 million investment from Warner Bros. Discovery supports this initiative, as the network seeks to attract younger audiences and differentiate itself from previous streaming attempts.

Atlanta, Georgia – CNN is set to launch a new streaming service this fall, marking a fresh attempt to innovate its digital landscape after the previous CNN+ service was shut down shortly after its launch three years ago. The announcement was made by CNN’s CEO, Mark Thompson, during a meeting with employees on Tuesday afternoon.

While specific details regarding the new service’s pricing and exact release date remain under wraps, it is confirmed that the streaming platform will feature both live and on-demand programming. This new offering is designed to complement CNN’s existing subscription product, which grants users unlimited access to articles on the network’s official website.

In a strategic move to solidify relationships with traditional cable distributors, these providers will be granted free access to the new streaming service. CNN’s executive vice president of digital products and services, Alex MacCallum, stated that the video service will be bundled with the current digital subscription, aiming to enhance user experience by creating a seamless interface.

As traditional television revenues decline, CNN, like many news organizations, is actively seeking alternative revenue streams. Mark Thompson emphasized that adapting to new platforms is crucial for CNN to avoid bleak prospects, reflecting a commitment towards digital growth and modernization within the company. He has initiated a significant digital push since joining CNN in 2023, following a successful turnaround during his tenure at The New York Times.

The upcoming digital initiatives are supported by a $70 million investment from Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent company. Under Thompson’s guidance, MacCallum, who previously worked at The Times, has been tasked with leading the digital transformation. In line with this shift, CNN plans to hire approximately 200 employees focused on digital roles, counterbalanced by recent layoffs affecting 200 traditional TV workers as part of a workforce realignment.

CNN’s new streaming service aims to differentiate itself from the earlier CNN+ by aligning more closely with the traditional cable viewing experience, although it will not be an exact replication. Subscribers can expect access to a variety of original shows and documentaries as part of the offering, expanding the content available beyond typical news broadcasted on television.

Despite its existing streaming presence through Max, which offers a different viewing experience, CNN is positioning this new service as a significant player in the evolving digital media landscape. The demand for digital offerings is particularly notable in international markets, showcasing the potential global appeal of CNN’s content.

Further details regarding the new streaming service will be unveiled during Warner Bros. Discovery’s upcoming upfront presentation to advertisers, as CNN aims to appeal to a broader audience, particularly younger viewers who have increasingly turned away from traditional linear programming.

The imminent launch of this new streaming service indicates CNN’s strategic pivot towards digital innovation and engagement in the competitive broadcasting environment, with an aim to enhance content delivery while continuing to build upon its established brand legacy.

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