Scoop: CNN relaunches FAST channel with original, live programming
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
The revamped CNN Headlines channel is part of a sweeping overhaul of CNN's streaming and video efforts. Photo: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images
CNN last week quietly relaunched a new and improved version of its free ad-supported streaming channel called CNN Headlines, sources familiar with the effort told Axios.
Why it matters: The service, which is completely separate from CNN's cross-platform streamer launching this fall, gives the company more inventory to sell video advertising to a wider array of marketers.
- It also expands CNN's reach across digital platforms.
- On Tuesday, it announced Brad Smith as a new anchor specifically for live programming on the channel.
State of play: CNN Headlines has existed as a curated, breaking news video service for years. But the product was rudimentary, mostly running clips that had already aired on its cable network through an automated playlist.
- Over the past few months, CNN has beefed up CNN Headlines with more live and original programming that it can use to capture data about viewership habits and engagement.
- It started producing two hours of a new, live original show called "CNN Headline Express" at 7am and 11am ET, exclusively for the channel.
- CNN Headlines is available on CNN's website, as well as some smart TV providers and streaming services, such as Amazon Prime Video and Pluto TV. But distribution is still limited. It is not yet available, for example, on Apple TV.
Zoom out: Over the past few years, more news networks have started to experiment with their own FAST channels (free ad-supported streaming TV) in the U.S., putting pressure on CNN to improve its offering domestically.
- NBC News Now offers 24/7 live, breaking news coverage, with specialized shows and anchors.
- CBS News 24/7 also offers live, breaking news video and original programming with specialized anchors and talent.
Between the lines: CNN launched an international FAST channel called CNN Fast in 2023. That channel is being renamed CNN Headlines to match the relaunched domestic channel.
- CNN also launched a FAST channel called CNN Originals last year that features its original news documentary shows such as "Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown," "This Is Life With Lisa Ling" and "The Wonder List With Bill Weir."
The big picture: The revamped CNN Headlines channel is part of a sweeping overhaul of CNN's streaming and video efforts.
- CNN plans to debut a cross-platform streaming service that will be tied to its new subscription product this fall. CNN's existing cable customers will have free access to that new service.
- The company also plans to launch an app called "CNN Weather" by the end of the year. The app will be available for free to start, but it's expected to eventually be paywalled.
CNN's new package of streaming products is meant to bring CNN into the digital era at a more modest upfront cost.
- CNN launched a subscription streaming app, CNN+, in 2022, only to have new owners Warner Bros. Discovery shutter it weeks after launch.
- WBD believed the network spent too much ($300 million) to launch the service without a quick enough plan for a return on investment.
What to watch: CNN currently runs a curated live programming feed on Max, the streaming service owned by its parent company.
- WBD announced last month plans to split into two publicly traded companies, parting its television networks like CNN from its Max streaming business.
- It's unclear what the future will be for CNN on Max.
Disclosure: Sara Fischer is a paid contributor for CNN.
