The move comes shortly after WarnerMedia, which combines CNN and HBO Max, merged with Discovery to form media and streaming giant Warner Bros. Discovery.
“In a complex streaming market, consumers want simplicity and an all-inclusive service that delivers a better experience and more benefits than standalone offerings,” said Managing Director and President of Streaming and Interactive Entertainment at Warner. Bros Discovery, Jean-Briac Perrette.
"CNN will be stronger as part of Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming strategy, which sees news as an important part of a broader and more engaging offering, alongside sports, entertainment and documentary content," added CNN President Chris Licht.
When CNN announced the launch of CNN+ in July 2021, the initiative appeared to be the most ambitious project at the time in terms of online television news in the United States.
CNN + promised clean content and had recruited one of the pillars of the favorite channel of the conservatives Fox News, Chris Wallace, a formidable and respected interviewer on the entire American political spectrum.
But in a streaming market saturated with offers, CNN+ did not fill up with subscribers when it launched on March 29.
The project also did not fit into the plans of the new bosses of Warner Bros. Discovery, an entertainment juggernaut who wants to hold off the streaming giant Netflix.
"Our customers and CNN will be better served with an easier choice of streaming," insisted Chris Licht, who clarified that subscribers will receive "prorated refunds of subscription fees."
CNN has clarified that CNN+ boss Andrew Morse will be leaving the group.
© 2022 AFP