CNN makes generous limited-time offer to subscribers

As the number of cord-cutters steadily grows and people seek more convenient ways to stay informed or relax with their favorite TV shows and movies, streaming offerings are expanding. About 83% of U.S. adults use streaming services, according to a July Pew Research Center survey. Streaming service vs. cable or satellite TV:28% of Americans both subscribe to cable or satellite TV and use streaming services. 55% are streaming content, but do not have a cable or satellite subscription. 8% watch only cable or satellite TV but don’t use streaming services. 8% don’t watch cable, satellite, or streaming content. Source: Pew Research Center Major streaming giants include Netflix, Disney +, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, and HBO Max. Smaller streaming service providers such as YouTube TV and Fubo, among others, are also attracting subscribers. A number of traditional cable networks have launched their own direct-to-consumer streaming services to address the drop in cable subscriptions. For example:HBO became HBO MaxShowtime folded into Paramount+, according to DeciderStarz launched its Starz appESPN in 2018 launched the ESPN+ add-on streaming serviceAMC became AMC+Discovery Inc. launched Discovery+Hallmark Media launched Hallmark Movies NowSome of these models are a combination of partial streaming alternative plus supplemental cable. Three years ago, CNN tried a similar move, but the effort failed. However, as trends continue to support cost-cutting alternatives, CNN is taking another shot, and it's now making a special offer. CNN confirmed it will offer a limited-time discount for its All Access streaming tier.FellowNeko/Shutterstock.com CNN relaunches streaming plan, three years after first attempt failedOn Oct. 16, CNN, which is a part of Warner Bros. Discovery, announced that it will once again launch its streaming subscription tier available for $6.99 per month or $69 annually. CNN’s first streaming launch in 2022 failed after just one month. CNN Worldwide CEO Chris Licht said at the time that the decision didn’t reflect quality. More Streaming:Amazon Prime Video introduces major free upgrade for US subscribersDisney’s CEO shares bad news for its biggest rivalsKey streaming service drops generous offer for its subscribers“...Our customers and CNN will be best served with a simpler streaming choice,” Licht said, as reported by CNBC. Three years later, CNN is turning to streaming again. “No one covers the world like CNN. With this new subscription offering, our audience will now have access to the best of CNN across platforms, including multiple live stream channels, our signature video-led journalism and all articles on CNN.com and in the mobile app. It’s an essential step in CNN’s evolution as we work to give audiences the complete CNN experience in a format that reflects how audiences engage with the news today,” said Alex MacCallum, executive vice president, Digital Products and Services, CNN Worldwide, in a press release. CNN confirms a limited-time 40% discount offer for All Access Announcing the launch, CNN confirmed it will offer a limited-time deal. Subscribers who sign up for the annual plan option by January 5, 2026, can subscribe for a special introductory price of $41.99 for the first year, representing a 40% discount. CNN's All Access offer: 24/7 global newsLive coverageExclusive videosOriginal seriesAward-winning filmsUnlimited articles Source: CNN The premium CNN experience (All Access) streaming, articles and more is now available for $41.99 for the first year. CNN Basic offer: Unlimited articles The basic CNN experience includes articles only. All Access plan subscribers will be able to stream: A selection of CNN’s live U.S. and International programming.The award-winning CNN Originals library of more than 1,000 hours of content. The latest CNN Original Series and CNN Films (available the day after their television airing).Exclusive new video-on-demand programming and special features.Exclusive live events. The full schedule and content offering will be available at launch. Current Pay TV subscribers will also be able to log in and access the new streaming product at no extra cost, but to access unlimited CNN articles, they will need to subscribe to the Basic tier. Why CNN’s second streaming attempt might just work CNN EVP of Digital Products Alex MacCallum told The Wrap that CNN’s research suggests “there are 18 million people in the United States alone who are not cable customers, who are interested in CNN, and who have indicated a willingness to pay for something from us.”Eighteen million subscribers would be a serious achievement, and highly unlikely in the near term, writes Michael Calderone for The Wrap. Calderone further notes that The New York Times, often used as the benchmark for large-scale digital news subscriptions, has 12 million subscribers and aims for 15 million by 2027, even with popular add-on products such as Cooking and Games. MacCallum also discussed the previous launch and highlighted that All Access is a “core offering,” whereas CNN's previous streaming attempt was a product designed to complement CNN. All Access will feature various shows that are not available on the cable channel. It will also offer significantly more live coverage than CNN+. Related: Major YouTube TV feature goes dark for some subscribers