by Thinus Ferreira
WarnerMedia and CNN announced on Monday afternoon that it will launch CNN+ (CNN Plus) in the first quarter of 2022 as a new video streaming news service with over 8 hours of live programming daily.
It's not yet clear whether CNN+ -that will complement CNN Domestic in the United States and CNN International (DStv 401) as its global channel version - will be available outside of America, or when and on what platforms it will be accessible.
CNN will very likely have to hire hundreds more staffers to beef up CNN+ with no pricing or any specific anchoring and presenting talent that has been announced.
CNN says that CNN Plus will be an "additive experience that complements the core CNN linear networks and digital platforms to serve CNN superfans, news junkies and fans of quality non-fiction programming".
CNN+ will carry between 8 and 12 hours of live programming per day, and will also have "topical deep dives and lifestyle content from some of CNN’s most prominent talent, as well as several new faces", for instance, non-fiction lifestyle series like Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy that is currently broadcast on CNN International on Sunday evenings.
"CNN invented cable news in 1980, defined online news in 1995 and now is taking an important step in expanding what news can be by launching a direct-to-consumer streaming subscription service in 2022," says Jeff Zucker, WarnerMedia News and Sports chairman and CNN Worldwide president in a press release announcing CNN+.
"As the most trusted and recognized name in news, CNN has unrivaled global reach, world-class talent and a deep existing library of content including award-winning series and films."
"On top of a television offering that has never been stronger, which remains at the core of what we do today, we will offer consumers a streaming product that grows the reach and scope of the CNN brand in a way that no one else is doing. Nothing like this exists."
Besides the issuing of the press release about CNN Plus, Jeff Zucker also had an internal meeting on Monday morning with staffers about CNN+.
