CNN is making another attempt at establishing a comprehensive streaming subscription service. The renowned news network, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, announced on Thursday that its new service, CNN All Access, will officially launch in the United States on October 28. The subscription will be priced at $6.99 per month or $69.99 annually.
The CNN All Access plan is designed to serve as a centralized hub for CNN's journalism. Subscribers will have access to a wide range of features, including both live and on-demand U.S. and international video programming, articles from CNN.com, and exclusive content only available to subscribers across all platforms. This initiative aims to cater to the evolving needs of audiences who consume news in various formats.
To incentivize early adopters, CNN is offering a limited-time annual subscription rate of $41.99 for those who sign up by January 5. This promotional offer represents a significant discount for users looking to experience comprehensive news coverage at a reduced price.
Alex MacCallum, the executive vice president of digital products and services at CNN Worldwide, expressed the network's commitment to providing quality news, stating, "No one covers the world like CNN. This is an essential step in CNN's evolution, providing a comprehensive experience that meets how audiences consume news today."
The All Access plan builds upon CNN's existing digital subscription service, which has been rebranded as the Basic tier. Originally launched in 2024, the Basic plan offers unlimited access to CNN articles and select subscriber features, but does not include video content. This restructuring highlights CNN's ongoing efforts to diversify its subscription options and enhance user experience.
Over the years, CNN has explored various subscription models, including the now-defunct CNN+. This service, which combined live news with on-demand programs and unique original series, was shut down just a month after its launch in March 2022. The closure was partly due to the merger between Warner Bros. and Discovery in April 2022, as well as disappointing subscription numbers and internal challenges faced by CNN.
Warner Bros. Discovery is also undergoing significant changes, as the media giant announced plans in June to split into two public companies by 2026. One entity will focus on streaming and studios, which will include its movie properties and HBO Max, while the other will encompass global networks, including CNN and other businesses.
As CNN rolls out its All Access subscription, it aims to redefine its approach to delivering news, aligning with consumer preferences in the digital age.
