CNN is taking another shot at the digital subscription game. Starting Tuesday, the news giant will begin rolling out a paywall on CNN.com, its popular news website. Heavy users will be asked to pay $3.99 per month or $29.99 annually for unlimited access to articles and premium video content, as first reported by Variety.
This move marks CNN’s return to subscription models after the short-lived CNN+ streaming service was scrapped in 2022. Unlike CNN+, which offered live programming and original series, this new paywall focuses on enhancing the CNN.com experience with exclusive features and a reduced ad load for subscribers.
Subscribers will gain access to a library of “flash” documentaries, interactive features like an electoral map explorer, and eventually, more video content featuring prominent CNN anchors and correspondents. While text articles will remain central to CNN.com, the platform aims to evolve with a greater emphasis on video and expert insights.
This strategic shift comes as CNN faces increasing competition from rivals like Fox Nation, CBS News, NBC News, and ABC News, who have all established their presence in the streaming and digital subscription arena. CNN hopes to leverage its strong brand recognition and journalistic expertise to attract subscribers and diversify its revenue streams.
The company acknowledges that building a substantial subscriber base will “take a couple of years.” They plan to closely monitor user engagement and adapt their strategy accordingly.
While a CNN.com subscription won’t include access to the live CNN cable channel, it will offer a more robust and immersive digital experience for news enthusiasts willing to pay for premium content. Whether this new venture will succeed where CNN+ faltered remains to be seen, but it signifies CNN’s determination to adapt and thrive in the evolving media landscape.