CNN has announced the launch of a new subscription-based streaming product, which will debut in the United States this autumn. The move comes nearly three years after its first streaming venture, CNN+, was abruptly shut down following the Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) merger.
This new offering is part of CNN’s larger strategy to build a centralized, digital-first news experience. It will allow users to stream CNN’s live channels, access on-demand programming, and catch up on previously aired content all from one place. The service will be available across various platforms, including the CNN mobile app, smart TV apps, and CNN.com.
Alex MacCallum, Executive Vice President, Digital Products and Services, CNN, said, “CNN has been leading and innovating in video-led journalism since its inception, and the expansion of our subscription offering to include streaming embodies that pioneering spirit.” He added, “We’re giving audiences an even more convenient way to access CNN’s trusted reporting and original programming—brought together in one intuitive, easy-to-use experience.”
The announcement comes as a notable second attempt by CNN to establish a stronger presence in the digital streaming space. Its previous service, CNN+, launched in March 2022 but was discontinued less than a month later after the WBD merger. The platform’s abrupt end raised concerns about the company’s commitment to digital innovation.
This time, CNN appears to be taking a more integrated approach, folding the streaming product into its All Access subscription tier. This existing plan, launched in October 2024, offers readers unlimited access to CNN.com articles and subscriber-only content. The new streaming feature will enhance that subscription with video access, signaling a more holistic, cross-platform product.
Importantly, CNN is also not abandoning its traditional pay-TV model. Cable subscribers will still have access to CNN’s linear channels, and they will also be able to use the new streaming service at no extra cost by logging in through their provider credentials.
For viewers already watching CNN through Max, WBD’s general entertainment streaming platform, there’s no immediate change. CNN will continue its presence on Max, providing another route for audiences to access its live news and documentaries.
Alongside the product launch, CNN also revealed a major leadership shift. Ellana Lee, a CNN veteran with over 25 years of experience, has been promoted to Group Senior Vice President, General Manager APAC, and Global Head of Productions. This is a newly created role that will see her take on broader responsibilities across sponsored content, features, and global strategy.
Mike McCarthy, Managing Editor, CNN Worldwide, said, “Under Ellana’s leadership, our Features team has consistently innovated, delivering award-winning, multi-platform, editorially robust and engaging feature content that has attracted commercial partnerships with some of the world’s most dynamic and successful brands. She will now bring that experience, creativity and skill to bear across the network, working in tandem with our digital, TV, product, programming, marketing, communications, and commercial teams globally.”
Lee will continue to lead CNN’s editorial operations in Asia Pacific while overseeing a new Global Productions team. This unit will focus on creating and distributing sponsored and branded content across CNN’s various platforms. CNN plans to add new roles in the U.S. to strengthen the Features team, which already spans offices in Atlanta, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, and London.
CNN’s decision to re-enter the streaming arena is a strategic bet on the future of news consumption. With more audiences moving to on-demand and digital platforms, the company is hoping that this more thoughtful, integrated rollout will avoid the pitfalls that led to CNN+’s downfall.
Still, challenges remain. CNN is re-entering a crowded streaming market at a time when media companies are tightening their budgets and audiences are becoming more selective with their subscriptions. Whether this new venture succeeds may depend on how well CNN can balance journalistic integrity with commercial pressures, and whether it can provide a user experience that truly feels worth paying for.
About CNN All Access
CNN’s All Access subscription service offers readers and viewers access to the network’s premium journalism, live broadcasts, and exclusive programming. First launched in October 2024, the service is now expanding to include a streaming video product available across web, mobile, and smart TVs.