Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming platform, Max, is set to introduce 24/7 news programming with the launch of CNN Max on September 27th. This move comes after the recent closure of CNN+’s standalone subscription service, which prompted a reevaluation of Warner Bros. Discovery’s live breaking news strategy online.
The addition of CNN Max will provide breaking news content to subscribers at no extra cost during its open beta phase. This rebrand of the CNN originals hub will feature programming specifically tailored for the Max streaming audience, including shows like CNN Newsroom with Jim Acosta, Rahel Solomon, Amara Walker, and Fredricka Whitfield. Jim Sciutto will lead breaking news coverage in the afternoons on CNN Max.
In addition to breaking news, CNN Max will also offer popular series such as “Amanpour,” “Anderson Cooper 360,” “The Lead with Jake Tapper,” and “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.” The streaming service aims to attract a younger audience compared to traditional TV. This strategic move represents a significant gamble for Warner Bros. Discovery following the expensive launch and subsequent shutdown of CNN+.
JB Perrette, CEO and president of global streaming and games at Warner Bros. Discovery, expressed excitement about the new offering’s potential appeal to Max customers. Perrette stated, “This provides even more quality choices for Max customers who will be able to easily catch up on what is happening in the world, particularly in moments of breaking news, all within one seamless experience. We’re excited to engage our Max community in this initial beta stage to help us learn and develop what appeals most to our customers in this new genre.”
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Warner Bros. Discovery is the result of a $43 billion merger between WarnerMedia and Discovery, led by CEO David Zaslav. Zaslav’s vision for the combined company included the creation of a streaming service capable of competing with industry giants like Netflix and Disney+. The strategy is to combine HBO’s scripted content with Discovery’s successful lifestyle and reality programming to attract a wide range of viewers.
With the introduction of CNN Max, Warner Bros. Discovery aims to enhance its streaming platform’s appeal and provide a comprehensive entertainment experience that encompasses both news and entertainment content. By including 24/7 news programming, they hope to keep subscribers engaged and informed about current events alongside their favorite entertainment shows.
This expansion into news programming reflects the evolving landscape of streaming services. As consumers seek convenience and variety in their content consumption, incorporating news programming within entertainment platforms becomes increasingly important. By providing news content, Warner Bros. Discovery recognizes the value of catering to diverse audience preferences and offering a one-stop streaming destination.
The open beta phase of CNN Max will allow Warner Bros. Discovery to gather feedback from its Max community and refine its offering based on user preferences. This iterative approach ensures that the platform evolves to meet subscribers’ needs and delivers the most appealing content. It also serves as an opportunity for the company to learn and adapt to the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the news genre within the streaming space.
As Warner Bros. Discovery continues to invest in its streaming platform, Max, the addition of CNN Max represents a significant step towards establishing a comprehensive and competitive streaming service. By combining entertainment and news content, they aim to attract a broad audience and position themselves as a versatile player in the highly competitive streaming market. With the open beta launch of CNN Max, subscribers can look forward to staying informed and entertained, all within the same seamless streaming experience.
