CNBC+ is now available on Apple TV and Roku, allowing subscribers to stream live business news from the U.S., Europe, and Asia, alongside a library of past programs. The new subscription service, priced at $14.99 per month, represents a strategic shift for the network as it adapts to changing viewer habits and the broader industry move toward streaming.
“Nothing is more essential than live coverage during the day, and being able to get that to our audience how and when they want it is a priority,” said KC Sullivan, president of CNBC. CNBC executives believe the ability to access real-time market coverage outside the home will appeal to financial professionals, traders, and executives who rely on timely information.
CNBC+ subscribers can access content through the CNBC app on Apple and Roku platforms, alongside CNBC Pro, a separate premium offering. Pay-TV customers will continue to receive CNBC’s live U.S. linear feed. The company has plans to expand CNBC+ to additional streaming and broadband platforms in the coming months. According to Sullivan, the service is already outperforming internal subscription targets by more than 50%, despite minimal promotion. Early data suggests that some users are incorporating CNBC+ into their daily routines.
The expansion comes at a pivotal moment for CNBC as its parent company, Comcast, prepares to restructure its media assets. CNBC and other cable networks will be spun off from NBCUniversal, which will retain NBC, Telemundo, and Peacock. The shift highlights the growing divergence between traditional cable networks and direct-to-consumer streaming services.
Cable’s influence is waning as more viewers shift to digital platforms. Kagan, a research firm under S&P Global Market Intelligence, projects CNBC’s cable subscriber base will drop from 62.7 million in 2024 to 59.6 million in 2025. The migration to streaming is no longer optional it’s essential for survival.
CNBC’s strategy doesn’t end with individual streaming subscribers. Sullivan sees potential in corporate partnerships that could integrate CNBC’s content into financial institutions, much like Bloomberg Terminals provide market data to professionals. “To the C-Suite person, or a trader, or someone in financial services, we are essential,” he said.
This enterprise approach could provide an additional revenue stream, making CNBC’s content available to professionals through workplace subscriptions rather than relying solely on direct-to-consumer sales.
CNBC’s expansion onto streaming platforms reflects a broader transformation in business news consumption. The network is positioning itself not just as a cable channel but as a multi-platform financial news provider. With declining cable subscriptions and a corporate restructuring on the horizon, CNBC+ could serve as a crucial step in the network’s long-term strategy. As streaming services continue to disrupt traditional television models, CNBC’s ability to evolve will determine its standing in the rapidly changing media landscape.