CNN Launched its Streaming News Service on Tuesday
CNN is one of the most famous TV channels in the world. Nevertheless, it continues to expand its operation. On Tuesday, it launched its streaming news service CNN+ with a mix of familiar faces such as Anderson Cooper and Chris Wallace, original series, and new features like the “Interview Club”, where viewers ask their own questions to experts.
It is seeking to capitalize on the confluence of two trends, the rising popularity of streaming video and the growth of digital subscriptions at major news organizations. For example, the New York Times bought “The Athletic”. As a result, it surpassed 10 million subscribers in February, the majority of whom are digital-only subscribers.
According to Andrew Morse, CNN+ is the most important initiative that the channel launched since Ted Turner founded the network 42 years ago. He is the chief digital officer of CNN Worldwide.
The launch of CNN’s streaming news service comes just days ahead of the anticipated closing of the sale of CNN’s parent company. Discovery Inc is buying its parent company WarnerMedia. Chris Licht will become chairman as well as chief executive of CNN Global in May.
CNN and its plans
Its streaming news service made its debut in the United States on Amazon Fire TV and on Android and Apple devices. It costs $5.99 a month to watch its streaming news service. However, those who subscribe within the first four weeks receive a 50% discount permanently until they stop subscribing.
It won’t re-purpose its newscasts online. For instance, NBCUniversal’s Peacock is re-purposing its newscasts. It provides on-demand access to the “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt”.
CNN’s streaming news service will offer a combination of live, on-demand, and interactive programming, with an emphasis on original content. For example, it will feature original series including “The Murdochs: Empire of Influence”.
