CNN to launch new streaming ‘product’ as part of an ‘All Access’ offering in the fall

CNN has announced plans to bolster its existing premium subscription service with a streaming product slated to launch in the fall of 2025.

The network says the streaming product “will provide a simple and centralized way for audiences to experience CNN’s journalism and original programming.”

The service is expected to offer live channels, replays of recent programming and video-on-demand content across the network’s digital ecosystem of cnn.com, mobile apps and connected TV apps.

Beyond the reference to “live channels,” there were no specific details about what those might contain, including if this could include simulcasts of the CNN domestic or international feed. It was also not clear if the service would be considered a truly “standalone” streaming offering.

“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,” said Alex MacCallum, executive vice president, digital products and services, in a statement. “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 streaming offering will become part of a new “All Access” tier, which builds on the network’s subscription service that unlocks exclusive content and unlimited article views on the network’s website. 

No details about pricing for All Access were announced, though CNN did say that pay TV subscribers will get access to the streaming offering at no extra cost. The linear feeds on pay TV providers will continue as they are, including TV Everywhere access for pay TV subscribers.

The network will also continue to maintain a presence on HBO Max, though it was not immediately clear if there might be changes to the content available on the hub, which is currently known as CNN Max.

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In its announcement, CNN repeatedly referred to its new entry into streaming as a “streaming product,” rather than a “streaming service” or “streaming platform.” 

CNN, of course, has the dark cloud of the CNN+ streamer hanging over its head. 

The service, which lasted less than a month in 2022 before being shut down, was a big blow for the network, resulting in a loss of millions of dollars spent on hiring talent, creating original shows and marketing. Its closure also led significant job cuts.

Unlike CNN+, the network appears to be taking a different and more strategic approach to streaming this time around.

CNN’s announcement did not specifically mention any original programming for the new offering, which would be significantly different from CNN+, which offered a large slate of streaming-only shows.

Without knowing all of the specifics of what CNN’s product will include, one could look to the recently-launched CNBC+ as a potential model. That network, currently owned by Comcast but scheduled to be spun off into Versant later this year, offers this service with feeds that follow the business day around the globe while also offering a market data stream with additional information and context along with VOD.

If “All Access” sounds a bit familiar, it’s likely because it was part of the name of an early entry into the streaming market, CBS All Access, which was offered between 2014 and 2021. CBS would eventually drop the name while incorporating much of the service’s features and content into Paramount+.

Meanwhile, ESPN has also been using the phrase to market its upcoming launch of its standalone streaming product, which will also be known as ESPN.

There have been reports that CNN’s parent, Warner Bros. Discovery, may be eying a split into two companies, much like Versant, to separate its legacy linear networks out from other, more profitable businesses, including streaming. Such a split could result in CNN ending up separate from HBO Max.