CNN has confirmed plans to cease the operations of its streaming service, CNN+ on 30 April. “As we become Warner Bros Discovery, CNN will be strongest as part of WBD’s streaming strategy, which envisions news as an important part of a compelling broader offering along with sports, entertainment and non-fiction content," Chris Licht, chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide, said. “We have therefore made the decision to cease operations of CNN+ and focus our investment on CNN’s core news-gathering operations and in further building CNN Digital."
As a result of the closure, the service's programming will become part of Warner Bros Discovery's broader streaming offering, which is overseen by Discovery+ and HBO Max. It launched in March as a result of a merger between Discovery and CNN parent WarnerMedia. "This is not a decision about quality; we appreciate all of the work, ambition and creativity that went into building CNN+, an organisation with terrific talent and compelling programming. But our customers and CNN will be best served with a simpler streaming choice," Licht said.
Andrew Morse, exec VP and chief digital officer of CNN Worldwide and head of CNN+, has also comfirmed his departure from the company. with Alex MacCallum, CNN Worldwide head of product and CNN+ general manager, filling in to lead CNN Digital. “We are grateful to Andrew for his significant contributions to CNN Digital and CNN+ over the years,’’ Licht added.
The launch was mainly attributed to CNN president Jeff Zucker, who had driven the project. “He and his team created a quality slate of rich and compelling content and helped produce and distribute CNN’s journalism around the world on a variety of platforms. We appreciate Andrew and everyone’s hard work and dedication.”
As we become Warner Bros Discovery, CNN will be strongest as part of WBD’s streaming strategy, which envisions news as an important part of a compelling broader offering along with sports, entertainment and non-fiction content. We have therefore made the decision to cease operations of CNN+ and focus our investment on CNN’s core news-gathering operations and in further building CNN Digital.” Chris Licht Chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide