CNN Set to Launch New Streaming Service This Fall, Learning from Past Mistakes

CNN Set to Launch New Streaming Service This Fall, Learning from Past Mistakes

CNN is ready to unveil a new streaming offering this upcoming fall, marking a significant comeback after the abrupt shutdown of its previous venture, CNN+, which was discontinued just one month after its launch three years ago.

During an internal meeting on Tuesday, CNN CEO Mark Thompson revealed details about the new service, as reported by The New York Times. This announcement signals CNN’s intent to build on lessons learned from its past streaming experience and adapt its approach to meet audience demands.

The network described the upcoming streaming product as an enhancement of its current digital subscription service, which already grants paid subscribers unlimited access to CNN’s articles and exclusive content online.

In a press release, CNN stated that the new service, named ‘All Access’, aims to provide users with a streamlined and centralized platform to access all their news content. This includes integration across the mobile app, connected TV applications, and the CNN website, simplifying user experience significantly.

Staff Pushback Amid Budget Cuts

Against this backdrop, workforce unrest is brewing at CNN. Staff members express frustration over impending budget cuts and layoffs that could further impact the network’s stability. Such developments have raised concerns regarding the overall health of CNN’s operations amidst evolving viewer habits.

Executive Vice President of Digital Products and Services Alex MacCallum highlighted CNN’s leadership in video journalism, stating that expanding their subscription options to include streaming reflects CNN’s innovative spirit. He emphasized the goal of providing audiences with a convenient way to access CNN’s trusted reporting and original programming through a single, intuitive platform.

Despite the announcements, CNN has remained tight-lipped about specifics surrounding pricing and the official release date. These unclear aspects might influence audience expectations and subscriptions as the launch approaches.

The timing of this announcement aligns closely with CNN’s tumultuous history in streaming. Just three years ago, its then-parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, discontinued CNN+ shortly after it was introduced. This decision came during a pivotal merger with WarnerMedia. Industry experts criticized CNN+ for its singular focus on paid subscriptions at a time when the traditional cable version of CNN struggled to maintain viewer numbers.

Professionals in the media sector remarked on CNN+ as being both overhyped and poorly positioned in a competitive landscape that continues to evolve. Progress Ventures founder Nick MacShane noted in Adweek that the service’s reliance on subscription-only revenue placed it in a precarious situation from the outset.

The expensive initiative, which CNN invested approximately $300 million to develop, did not meet audience expectations and was ridiculed when leaked subscription figures revealed the service’s poor viewership. Following the closure of CNN+, former CEO Chris Licht noted the necessity of focusing on CNN’s core journalism strength as part of a broader Warner Bros. Discovery streaming strategy.