CNN to Launch New Streaming Service After CNN+ Closure

News Summary

CNN has revealed plans to introduce a new streaming service in the fall of 2025, following the cancellation of CNN+. The service will feature live programming and on-demand content tailored for a digital-savvy audience. It aims to enhance viewer engagement by linking closely with CNN’s existing subscription services while addressing the shift in consumer preferences toward digital platforms. In a broader strategy, CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, is investing $70 million to support this initiative, which includes creating 200 new digital-focused jobs.

Atlanta – CNN has announced plans to launch a new streaming service in the fall of 2025, following the recent cancellation of its previous venture, CNN+. This new service will offer a combination of live programming and on-demand content, aimed at capturing the interests of a digital-savvy audience.

During a recent company meeting, Mark Thompson, CNN’s chief executive, presented the new service to employees, sharing the company’s vision for enhanced digital engagement. While specific details regarding the pricing and exact release date are still pending, it is clear that the service will link closely with CNN’s existing subscription product, which grants users unlimited access to articles on CNN.com.

In a bid to enhance user experience, current cable distributors will receive complimentary access to the streaming service. According to Alex MacCallum, CNN’s executive vice president of digital products, bundling the new video offering with existing digital subscriptions is expected to attract and retain more subscribers. This initiative comes as CNN seeks to diversify its revenue sources amidst declining traditional business models.

Thompson emphasized the importance of transitioning to new platforms for the future sustainability of CNN, particularly as viewer habits shift away from conventional cable. His leadership has been marked by a focus on digital transformation initiatives since he joined CNN in 2023, following a notable tenure at The New York Times.

In conjunction with the streaming service, CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, is committing $70 million to bolster CNN’s digital efforts. As part of this strategy, CNN plans to add approximately 200 new digital-focused employees. This recruitment follows significant layoffs earlier this year, when around 200 employees were let go from traditional television operations, highlighting a pivot toward digital strategy.

This new streaming product will be a departure from CNN+, a previous $300 million investment that was launched in March 2022 but failed shortly thereafter. While the upcoming service is expected to retain some aspects of CNN’s traditional cable experience, it will not replicate it entirely. Subscribers can look forward to gaining access to a library featuring original shows and documentaries tailored for a modern audience.

As CNN ventures into this new digital landscape, they are also set to introduce a lifestyle app, CNN Weather, later this year. The streaming service is part of a broader strategy to appeal to younger viewers who are increasingly abandoning traditional cable subscriptions in favor of digital content. CNN’s initiative reflects a growing trend among various media networks; many, including Fox and Disney, have recently announced their own streaming products to compete in the evolving media market.

The launch of CNN’s new streaming service aims to not only revitalize the brand’s digital presence but also to tap into new revenue avenues as consumers shift their viewing preferences. This strategic pivot underscores the lasting impact of digital transformation within the media industry and the necessity for traditional outlets to adapt to changing consumer demands.

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