(New York) Barely launched, the service of streaming paying CNN+ will close on April 30, announced CNN and Warner Bros Discovery, sounding the failure of a project that was to give new life to the American news channel.
Posted at 3:11 p.m.
The abandonment comes shortly after WarnerMedia, which includes CNN and HBO Max, merged with Discovery to form the media and entertainment giant. streaming Warner Bros Discovery.
“In a market of streaming complex, consumers want simplicity and an all-inclusive service that provides a better experience and more benefits than stand-alone offerings,” said the CEO and Chairman of the streaming and interactive entertainment at Warner Bros Discovery, Jean-Briac Perrette.
“CNN will be stronger as part of the strategy of streaming of Warner Bros. Discovery, which sees news as an important part of a broader and more engaging offering, alongside sports, entertainment and documentary content,” added CNN President Chris Licht.
When CNN announced in July 2021 the launch of CNN+, the initiative appeared to be the most ambitious project at the time in terms of online television news in the United States.
CNN + promised clean content and had recruited one of the pillars of the favorite channel of the conservatives Fox News, Chris Wallace, a formidable and respected interviewer on the entire American political spectrum.
But in a market streaming Saturated by offers, CNN+ did not fill up with subscribers when it launched on March 29.
The project did not enter either into the plans of the new bosses of Warner Bros Discovery, an entertainment juggernaut who wants to hold the dragee high to the giant of the streaming Netflix.
“Our customers and CNN will be better served with a choice of streaming simpler”, insisted Chris Licht, who specified that subscribers will receive “reimbursements in proportion to the subscription fees”.
CNN has clarified that CNN+ boss Andrew Morse will be leaving the group.