Cable news giant CNN says that it will launch CNN+ with an initial promotional fee of $2.99 per month for early subscribers.
Cable News Network (CNN) recently announced plans to launch its news and entertainment streaming service dubbed CNN+ this spring. According to the globally-renowned news-based television channel, CNN+ will initially cost $2.99 a month. Within the first four weeks of its launch, subscribers will be privy to this price, up to a lifetime, provided they keep their accounts active. However, after the promotional window elapses, subsequent subscribers will have to pay a standard $5.99 monthly fee. The standard price is also the access fee for Fox Nation, the streaming service operated by CNN rival Fox Corp. CNN+ will reportedly debut in the last week of March.
CNN+ is another attempt by a media platform to venture into the very competitive yet highly lucrative world of streaming. Furthermore, according to the Los Angeles Times, CNN also plans to offer a cheaper version of its streaming service, which will feature ads. In addition, the CNN+ package will also be available in a bundle with streaming giant HBO Max.
CNN+ Promises Varied Programming from Popular TV Presenters Upon Launch
Upon launch, CNN+ will showcase a slew of daily programs hosted by several popular newscasters. Notable names include Chris Wallace, Wolf Blitzer, Kasie Hunt, and Brian Stelter. In addition, the streaming service will feature weekly programming from time-honored veterans in the field. Some of these presenters and broadcasters include Christiane Amanpour, Anderson Cooper, Don Lemon, Jake Tapper, Jemele Hill, Cari Champion, Rex Chapman, Poppy Harlow, Sanjay Gupta, Audie Cornish, and Scott Galloway. In addition to live daily news shows, CNN+ will also feature original series, true crime shows, as well as food and travel programs.
CNN+ will debut close to the anticipated conclusion of the Discovery–WarnerMedia merger. The launch also follows a period of confusion at the company, which caused the cable news network’s high profile leader Jeff Zucker to resign on February 2nd. It had come to light that Zucker was involved in an alleged romantic relationship with then chief marketing officer Allison Gollust. Reports further stated that Zucker failed to properly disclose the clandestine affair.
Andrew Morse, chief digital officer and head of CNN+, stated that he attempted to rouse his staff following the unsavory development. In a media session, Morse explained:
“I’ve had a lot of conversations with our talent and reassured them that we’re going forward. It’s not what any of us expected, but things don’t always go to plan. My only message to them has been, ‘Keep going.’ CNN+ is so important to CNN that it’s bigger than any one of us.”
Following Zucker’s resignation, CBS executive Chris Licht will join CNN in May as the company’s lead. This will happen upon conclusion of the Discovery–WarnerMedia merger.
CNN launched in 1980 by American media proprietors Ted Turner and Reese Schonfeld. The network was the first TV channel to provide 24-hours news coverage.
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