CNN aims to put more emphasis on news and less on cable as it launches a new subscription streaming tier that will have more features for an audience that wants news first and a connection to traditional TV a distant second.
To be sure, the company’s new “All Access” streaming outlet features its traditional cable programming — nearly all of the live hours of the linear grid between 5 a.m. and midnight, with a few exceptions. But its main goal is to bring viewers into the CNN fold who are interested in the latest news on trending topics, and not necessarily on time slots or talent.
“All Access” offers collections of recent video that might help subscribers get caught up on anything from the recent sports-betting scandal that has involved an NBA player and coach, or the government shutdown. It will feature special live streams dedicated to giving viewers an immediate look at events unfolding in the moment. And its subscribers will also be able to watch CNN’s library of films and documentary programming. Traditional pay-TV subscribers will be able to use the product as well, a nod to the needs for CNN and parent Warner Bros. Discovery to maintain relationships with cable and satellite providers even as more consumers migrate to streaming video.
“We’re delivering all of CNN’s industry-leading journalism in one place, accessible on any device,” said Alex McCallum, CNN’s executive vice president of digital products and services. “Whether you are a fan of the live and premium video storytelling on which CNN built its name, or prefer snackable content that catches you up on the day’s essential news and lifestyle stories, audiences can now engage with and consume the full breadth of world-class storytelling CNN and its trusted journalists are known for, however works best for them.”
CNN needs to court viewers who no longer view cable as an integral part of delivering their media diet. CNN is projected to shed 7.6% of its pay-TV subscriber base by the end of 2026, according to estimates from Kagan, a market-research unit of S&P Global Intelligence. CNN was estimated to have 67.1 million viewers in 2024, according to Kagan, but it seen having just 62 million by the end of next year.
CNN seeks $6.99 per month or $69.99 a year, for the new content tier — its second attempt to build a subscription-based streaming outlet.
Unlike the previous effort, CNN+, which launched and was killed over a few weeks in 2022, the new “All Access” relies more heavily on the video and reporting CNN produces every day, rather than introducing a battery of new programs led by anchors and colorful contributors. CNN reporters, producers and correspondents are at work around the world, but may not be able to get more than a few minutes of time for their labors on traditional TV. “All Access” won’t focus only on the politics-and-breaking-news-focused report of the linear network, and will rely largely on video already in production to generate additional revenue.
But CNN is launching the product yet again during a time of great uncertainty for its corporate parent. In 2022, CNN+ debuted just as the former Discovery Communications was working to acquire the former Warner Media from its proprietor, AT&T. The new CNN streaming debut comes as Warner Bros. Discovery, which had been pursuing a split of its traditional TV assets and its streaming and studio operations, has essentially said it will consider offers to buy the company or various pieces of its portfolio.
Subscribers will have access to several channels beyond CNN’s linear U.S. feed. CNN’s international feed is also available, along with two FAST channels — one devoted to breaking news headlines, much like the old linear cable outlet CNN Headline News, and one tied to CNN’s original documentary series and programs.
CNN will add some new programming from current staffers. Anderson Cooper will host “All There Is Live,” a streaming extension of his podcast focused on grief. Cooper will speak with guests about experiences with grief and loss, and respond to live interactive chat. The show will stream on its own, with episodes available the next day via All Access. Donie O’Sullivan will join people on spiritual journeys as they seek out new sources of meaning in “Devoted.” And Harry Enten offers a statistical look at stories in the news with “The Enten Factor.” One program that started with CNN+, “5 Things With Kate Bolduan,” a quick-hit look at top stories in the news cycle, will be offered on All Access.
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