CNN's Parent Company Plans to Revive Streaming Service Following Disappointing CNN+ Launch

Warner Bros. Discovery to Launch CNN Max Streaming Platform

Warner Bros. Discovery is planning to launch a new streaming platform called CNN Max on September 27. This comes after the failure of its previous streaming service, CNN+, which shut down after just one month.

CNN Max will include popular shows like "Amanpour," "Anderson Cooper 360," "The Lead with Jake Tapper," and "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." Additionally, new shows such as "CNN Newsroom with Jim Acosta, Rahel Solomon, Amara Walker, and Fredricka Whitfield" and "CNN Newsroom with Jim Sciutto" will be introduced on the platform.

Warner Bros. Discovery Announces New Streaming Service

Warner Bros. Discovery has announced that it will be launching a new streaming service that will be included in the MAX streaming package, previously known as HBO MAX, at no extra cost to subscribers. This new service will offer world-leading news as an addition to the entertainment offerings already available.

JB Perrette, the CEO and president of Global Streaming and Games at Warner Bros. Discovery, stated that they aim to provide the broadest and highest quality entertainment content to MAX subscribers.

CNN+ Shut Down After Failing to Attract Subscribers

Warner Bros. Discovery has decided to shut down CNN+ after it failed to gain enough subscribers within a month of its launch. Despite signing former Fox News anchor Chris Wallace and giving him a show on the platform, CNN+ was only able to attract fewer than 10,000 daily viewers.

Direct-to-Consumer Strategy and Leadership Changes

CNN+ is being shut down as part of Warner Bros. Discovery's direct-to-consumer strategy. The decision was made to align with the demand for simplicity and all-in-one streaming services in the competitive streaming market. The incoming CEO, Chris Licht, believes that providing a better user experience and more value through a comprehensive service is the way forward.

Former CNN executive, Jon Licht, stepped down as CEO of a struggling media company in June. He faced criticism from employees for canceling CNN+ and making controversial decisions, including axing familiar faces like Brian Stelter and Don Lemon. The network's leadership under Licht was further questioned when they hosted a town hall with former President Donald Trump in May.