CNN, a news channel in the U.S., is jumping into the streaming service market.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 1st (local time) that CNN will release a new streaming service called “CNN+.” The service reportedly offers a new show featuring CNN’s famous anchors Anderson Cooper and Don Lemon.
CNN reportedly made the decision in consideration of the trend of TV viewers moving to streaming services and competition with other broadcasters.
CNN recently sought to find an anchor to work for CNN+, signing a new deal with some of its top anchors. They receive higher salaries than ever before.
CNN+ was released shortly after the announcement that Warner Media, the parent company of CNN, will separate from AT&T, the largest U.S. telecommunications company, and merge with cable channel Discovery.
CNN CEO Jeff Zucker also reportedly said at a staff meeting last week that even if CNN is acquired by Discovery, it will not affect the launch of the CNN+ streaming service next year.
Major U.S. broadcasters are also jumping into the streaming market one after another. In 2018, Fox News introduced “FOX Nation,” a streaming service related to life and entertainment, and NBC Universal launched a news program called “Peacok” last year.
CNN has been suffering from poor ratings since last year’s presidential election. According to Nielsen, CNN, which was once No. 1 news, fell to No. 3 in the second quarter.