CNN+, the cable news network’s streaming service, has been scheduled to launch this year and it’s found its first distribution partner in Comcast.
As part of an agreement for continued carriage of live and on-demand content from TBS, TNT, CNN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, TCM, truTV, HLN and CNN en Español for Xfinity TV customers, Comcast plans to make CNN+ available to its customers via its Xfinity X1, Xfinity Flex and XClass TV platforms later in 2022.
“We’re so pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with Comcast and deliver best-in-class storytelling, essential news and premium sports to millions of customers,” said Scott Miller, executive vice president of business and legal affairs at WarnerMedia, in a statement. “It’s an exciting time in our industry as we continue putting consumers at the center of where and how they are informed and entertained. Comcast’s position as both a Pay TV provider and app platform complements our foundational business of linear TV and emerging streaming businesses.”
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“WarnerMedia has been a terrific partner through the years, and we are very pleased to provide our Xfinity customers with access to their content across our industry-leading platforms,” said Rebecca Heap, senior vice president of consumer products and propositions at Comcast Cable, in a statement.
CNN is reportedly set for a March 2022 launch date on CNN+, which will reportedly cost $5.99 per month. In September, CNN sent mobile user prompts that displayed potential prices ranging from $1.99 to $9.99 per month, likely as part of some product development research for CNN+. The message also mentioned a seven-day free trial.
In preparation for launch, CNN+ has been building out its talent team that includes Fox News anchor Chris Wallace and current CNN host Anderson Cooper. Most recently the service has added NPR’s Audie Cornish and Alison Roman, both of who will debut original series on CNN+.
According to Bloomberg, CNN is also pulling back content including “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” and “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy” from HBO Max and putting it on CNN+. The network will also reportedly stop making content for HBO Max.