A person walks past the headquarters of CNN in Atlanta, Nov. 17, 2022.
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CNN is set to make its return to streaming with an innovative twist.
Warner Bros. Discovery has recently announced that CNN Max will join its Max streaming service lineup on September 27, serving as a dedicated 24/7 live news hub.
CNN Max will showcase exclusive content from renowned anchors such as Jim Acosta, Rahel Solomon, Amara Walker, Fredricka Whitfield, and Jim Sciutto, specifically curated for the streaming app. In addition, it will include popular CNN programs like “Anderson Cooper 360,” “Amanpour,” and “The Lead with Jake Tapper.”
Earlier this year, Warner Bros. Discovery rebranded its flagship streaming service HBO Max as Max, consolidating content from Warner Bros. and Discovery+ into a single platform. While the app already featured some CNN content, such as documentaries, the inclusion of news and sports was yet to be realized.
The decision to add CNN news to Max comes more than a year after the short-lived CNN+ streaming service was shut down shortly after its launch, following the merger of Warner Bros. and Discovery.
CNN has faced challenges in recent times, from the departure of former leader Jeff Zucker in early 2022 to the abrupt closure of CNN+ and the recent removal of chief Chris Licht due to a series of missteps. According to reports, Mark Thompson, the former CEO of BBC and The New York Times, is being considered for the top position at CNN.
Nevertheless, the shift toward streaming was inevitable, even without a stand-alone app like CNN+.
During an earnings call, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav emphasized the importance of news and sports as “key differentiators” that bring platforms, including streaming services, to life. He expressed that the company has been diligently working on expanding its offerings and hinted at the upcoming addition of sports content coinciding with the start of the Major League Baseball playoffs this fall.
Incorporating live feeds or simulcasts of pay-TV networks like CNN into streaming services has been a complex endeavor, requiring negotiations with pay-TV providers who pay hefty fees for exclusive rights. These providers are hesitant to allow replicated feeds on streaming platforms, particularly as cord-cutting becomes more prevalent.
Correction: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Jim Sciutto.
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