CNN is gearing up to launch its new streaming service ‘CNN Max,’ next month, just over a year after the network shut down its existing streaming service CNN+.
On September 27th, CNN Max is set to launch with some of the network’s existing shows such as “Amanpour,” “Anderson Cooper 360,” “The Lead with Jake Tapper,” and “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.” Two new shows, “CNN Newsroom With Jim Acosta, Rahel Solomon, Amara Walker and Fredricka Whitfield,” and “CNN Newsroom With Jim Sciutto,” will also debut on the streaming service.
The new streaming service will be included in the MAX streaming package at no additional cost. According to JB Perrette, WarnerBros. Discovery CEO and president of Global Streaming and Games, “We have the broadest and highest quality entertainment offering, and now will include world-leading news as a meaningful addition for all Max subscribers, at no extra charge.”
The network has struggled to attract subscribers since the debut of CNN Plus in April 2021. Despite signing ex-Fox News anchor Chris Wallace and giving him a show, the streaming service managed to acquire fewer than 10,000 subscribers. The streaming service was consequently shut down as “Warner Bros. Discovery aligned with its “broader direct-to-consumer strategy.”
That same month, former CNN executive Chris Licht took on the role of CEO of the network. However, his leadership was met with much criticism, after his decision to cancel CNN+, and subsequently, the firing of longtime journalist Brian Stelter and host Don Lemon months later. Criticism further intensified when CNN hosted a town hall with former President Donald Trump in May.
Soon after, Licht stepped down from his position as CEO in June. Now, the media outlet looks to make its way back into the subscription streaming market with the launch of CNN Max. It is yet to be seen if the streaming service is able to succeed where its predecessor could not.
For now, Warner Bros. Discovery believes the new platform will become more successful as part of their larger streaming package. Subscribers who have access to the MAX package will be able to conveniently stream the network’s shows in addition to exclusive films, series, documentaries, and more.