CNN's distribution-limited CNN+ video streaming service has a paltry 10 000 users after $300 million dollar investment, budget to be slashed.

by Thinus Ferreira

CNN's streaming service CNN+ is apparently a failure with lacklustre uptake of the video streaming service in the United States, with reports there that CNN+ has a laughably low less than 10 000 daily users despite an investment of millions of dollars, and with insiders revealing that dramatic budget cutbacks are already coming as the aspirational plans for CNN+ are now heavily scaled back. 

Shockingly, CNN+ sit with less than 10 000 daily users since CNN launched its video streaming service in America two weeks ago on 29 March, CNBC reports. This is after WarnerMedia (now Warner Bros Discovery) poured millions of dollars into creating CNN+ and signing massive talent deals, and to create new shows for the platform.

Bizarrely, CNN+ only launched in North America, isn't available on several platforms and isn't supported by Google TV/Android TV or on Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox or Playstation gaming consoles.

CNN has been very vague but said there are plans to roll CNN+ out globally. South Africans can get CNN+ but the linear TV channel CNN International (DStv 401) is available on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV service.

A CNN spokesperson in a statement said that "We continue to be happy with the launch and its progress after only two weeks."

Axios in America reported that according to insiders the budget of CNN+ is going to be cut dramatically because of the low level of adoption of the service. Warner Bros. Discovery initially planned to invest around $1 billion in CNN+ but that will no longer happen.

$300 million has already been spent on setting up CNN+ but the 10 000 daily users is far off from the 2 million subscribers CNN and Warner Bros. Discovery projected to sign up during CNN+'s first year.

As the spending on CNN+ gets cut, so will the subscriber projections.

WarnerMedia and CNN to launch CNN+ as a video streaming news service in first quarter of 2022 with over 8 hours of live programming daily.

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+.