Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max Streaming Service to Introduce CNN Max for 24/7 News Coverage
Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming service, Max, is gearing up to expand its content offerings by introducing CNN Max, a 24/7 news programming addition set to launch on September 27. The move comes after the studio’s earlier attempt with the standalone CNN+ subscription service was short-lived, leading to a reevaluation of its strategy for delivering live breaking news online.
The upcoming CNN Max, which will launch as an open beta and be available at no additional cost to subscribers, aims to enhance the entertainment-focused streaming service with a comprehensive news experience. Rebranded from the CNN originals hub, CNN Max will present tailored programming designed for the streaming audience.
Included in the new offering will be well-known CNN shows like “CNN Newsroom with Jim Acosta,” “Rahel Solomon,” “Amara Walker,” and “Fredricka Whitfield,” as well as “CNN Newsroom with Jim Sciutto,” where Sciutto will take the lead in afternoon breaking news coverage.
Viewers can also expect to see popular series such as “Amanpour,” “Anderson Cooper 360,” “The Lead with Jake Tapper,” and “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.” The streaming service will be aimed at a younger demographic compared to traditional TV, marking a strategic shift for Warner Bros. Discovery after the recent costly launch and subsequent closure of CNN+.
Warner Bros. Discovery, a result of the merger between WarnerMedia and Discovery in a $43 billion deal, is led by CEO David Zaslav. The creation of a competitive streaming platform to rival industry giants like Netflix and Disney+ was part of Zaslav’s vision for the combined company. This involved blending HBO’s scripted content with Discovery’s successful reality and lifestyle programming to create a diverse and appealing streaming service.
