CNN to End Live News Stream on HBO Max Before New Service Launch

Los Angeles, CA — CNN will cease its 24/7 live news stream on HBO Max in the United States starting November 17. The decision comes as the network prepares to launch a new solo streaming service aimed at attracting younger viewers later this fall.

Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of CNN, announced that while the live news stream will no longer be available, HBO Max will still offer select CNN Originals. These include popular titles such as ‘Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown,’ ‘Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy,’ and ‘The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper.’

This latest strategy follows CNN’s unsuccessful foray into streaming with CNN+, which launched in March 2022 and closed shortly after due to poor subscriber numbers. The upcoming service, though not yet named or priced, is anticipated to be less extravagant than its predecessor.

Alex MacCallum, CNN’s executive vice president of digital products and services, expressed optimism about the upcoming transition. ‘CNN has benefitted tremendously from its two years of offering a live 24/7 feed of news to HBO Max customers,’ MacCallum stated. ‘We learned from HBO Max’s large base of subscribers what people want and enjoy the most from CNN.’

The new streaming service aims to provide a more straightforward platform for accessing CNN journalism across various devices, including mobile phones and smart TVs. CNN’s CEO, Mark Thompson, illustrated a vision for the new offering, which he described as ‘a first true news streaming service’ that will include live channels and exclusive content.

As November approaches, CNN and its parent company remain silent on the official name or launch date of the new service, but they are preparing to use insights gained from former HBO Max streaming operations to enhance audience engagement.