Max to Launch Live CNN Streaming Channel in September
Warner Bros. Discovery decided to cancel CNN+ after just a little over a month due to significantly low viewer numbers. However, the company still believes that there is potential for live news from CNN on a streaming platform.
It will bring CNN Max to all Max tiers in the US at no additional cost on September 27. The new 24/7 service “is part of an open beta for news, enabling product features, content offerings and original storytelling experimentation, all with input and feedback from the Max community,” WBD said in a press release. .
CNN Max includes original programming and live programming from CNN US and CNN International. New shows include CNN Newsroom with Jim Acosta, Rahel Solomon, Amara Walker and Fredricka Whitfield and CNN Newsroom with Jim Sciutto. The streaming channel will also feature several CNN sitcoms such as Amanpour, Anderson Cooper 360, The Lead with Jake Tapper and The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.
Meanwhile, WBD is rebranding Max’s CNN Originals hub as CNN Max. Non-news CNN programs such as Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown and Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy are available through this hub, as well as a new 24/7 channel and more than 900 episodes of new and classic programming.
CNN Max is perhaps a less risky bet for WBD than CNN+. CNN sunk hundreds of millions of dollars into this venture. CNN+ was more personality oriented, while it seems that CNN Max is in line with CNN’s actual news approach. The combination of CNN and original programming should also help keep costs down.
