CNN is jumping back into the premium streaming game with “All Access,” a new subscription service promising a blend of live news, on-demand documentaries, and all the digital journalism you can handle. Get ready to dive in later this month!
TL;DR: Key Details You Need to Know
- CNN All Access launches on October 28th, offering a mix of live programming, 1,000+ hours of originals, and full access to CNN.com articles.
- The service costs $6.99/month or $69.99/year, but you can grab a special introductory annual rate of $41.99 if you sign up before January 5th, 2026.
- While it includes a "selection" of live U.S. and international programming, it won't feature a full 24/7 live feed of CNN's main cable channel, aiming to keep traditional TV providers happy.
Alright news junkies, listen up! CNN is making another big splash in the streaming pool with its brand-new service, Cnn All Access, set to launch on October 28th. If you've been craving a more comprehensive way to get your CNN fix without a traditional cable subscription, this might just be what you've been waiting for.
This isn't CNN's first rodeo in the direct-to-consumer space – we've seen CNN+ and CNN Max before. But this time, they're really trying to package everything into one neat hub: live content, a massive on-demand library, and all the digital articles your heart desires. It's an "essential step in CNN's evolution," according to Alex MacCallum, EVP of digital products and services at CNN Worldwide, who believes it will meet "how audiences consume news today."
Get ready for CNN All Access! Launching October 28, this new streaming service offers live CNN programming, over 1,000 hours of Originals, and full website access. Find out pricing, what's included, and how it compares to past CNN streaming efforts.
Unpacking the Treasure Chest: What CNN All Access Delivers
So, what exactly do you get when you sign up for CNN All Access? It’s not just a basic news feed; it’s designed to be a pretty robust offering for anyone serious about staying informed. Here’s the rundown of what’s included:
- A "Selection" of Live Programming: You'll get access to multiple live stream channels featuring U.S. and international content. Now, this isn't the full 24/7 live feed of the main CNN cable channel (more on why that's the case below), but rather a curated selection of live shows and events.
- A Deep Dive into CNN Originals: Prepare for a binge-fest! The service boasts over 1,000 hours of programming from CNN’s acclaimed Originals library. This includes past favorites and access to the latest CNN Original Series and CNN Films, often just a day after they air on traditional TV.
- On-Demand Video Content: Beyond the originals, you'll find a wealth of video-on-demand programming, giving you the flexibility to watch what you want, when you want.
- Exclusive Features and Live Events: Expect special features and unique live events that will only be available to All Access subscribers. This could mean anything from breaking news specials to exclusive interviews.
- Complete Digital Access: Say goodbye to paywalls! All Access subscribers get unlimited entry to all articles on CNN.com, plus any subscriber-only content and interactive features available on the website and mobile app.
Essentially, CNN is trying to bring together its strongest assets – its global newsgathering, award-winning documentaries, and in-depth digital journalism – under one digital roof.
Get ready for CNN's new 'All Access' streaming service! Discover pricing, content, launch date, and how it stacks up against past attempts, all launching October 28.
Breaking Down the Pricing: Your Wallet's Guide to All Access
Let's talk money. Nobody likes hidden fees, so here’s the straightforward breakdown of what CNN All Access will cost you:
- Monthly Plan: If you prefer to pay as you go, it's $6.99 per month.
- Annual Plan: Commit for the year and save a bit, with a price tag of $69.99 annually.
- Limited-Time Introductory Offer: This is where it gets interesting! If you sign up for the annual plan before January 5th, 2026, you can snag your first year for just $41.99. That's a pretty sweet deal, offering a significant discount off the regular annual price.
It’s important to note that CNN also has an existing digital subscription, now rebranded as the "Basic tier," which costs $3.99 per month. This Basic tier gives you unlimited access to CNN.com articles and some subscriber features, but it doesn't include any video content.
CNN is launching its new 'All Access' streaming service on October 28! Find out everything about pricing, exclusive content, live news, and how it compares to past efforts like CNN+ and CNN Max.
What About Current Pay TV Subscribers and Past Services?
If you're already a pay TV subscriber (meaning you get CNN through cable, satellite, or a service like YouTube TV), there's good news and a small caveat. CNN says that existing pay TV subscribers will get access to the streaming perks of the All Access plan at no additional cost!
However, there's a catch: these users won't automatically get access to the CNN.com articles and interactive features that come with the full All Access subscription. To get that, you'd still need to subscribe to the Basic tier separately. It’s a bit of a workaround, but it keeps things tidy for their traditional partners.
"No one covers the world like CNN. This is an essential step in CNN's evolution, providing a comprehensive experience that meets how audiences consume news today."
– Alex MacCallum, EVP of Digital Products and Services, CNN Worldwide
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Learning from the Past: How All Access Differs from CNN+ and CNN Max
This isn't CNN's first dance with direct-to-consumer streaming. Many will remember the short-lived CNN+ from 2022, which lasted a mere 32 days after its launch despite a reported $300 million investment. That service, priced at $5.99/month, focused heavily on original programming with personalities like Chris Wallace but conspicuously lacked a live feed of the main CNN channel. It was eventually shuttered by the then-new parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, amid disappointing subscription numbers and internal challenges.
Then came CNN Max in 2023, a 24/7 live news stream offered on HBO Max. This was CNN's second attempt, relying more on their international feed and existing network content. However, in anticipation of All Access, CNN Max will be removed from HBO Max in the U.S. in November.
The biggest difference this time? All Access aims to be more comprehensive, integrating both video and digital journalism. And, notably, while it offers a "selection" of live programming, it still avoids a full, unfiltered live feed of the cable channel. Why? It's largely to avoid upsetting those crucial cable TV providers who pay hefty affiliate fees to carry CNN's linear channel. It's a delicate balance trying to embrace the future without alienating current partners.
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The Big Question: Will CNN All Access Find Its Audience?
CNN is certainly hoping the third time's the charm. The market for streaming services is getting crowded, and some research suggests that consumers are experiencing "subscription fatigue" and cutting back on entertainment subscriptions due to financial concerns. Even within CNN, some employees have expressed doubts about how many people who don't already have access to CNN are willing to pay for this new product.
However, CNN is clearly positioning All Access as a centralized hub for its journalism, a "complete CNN experience." In an era where many are turning to social media or podcasts for news, and trust in traditional media is a constant conversation, CNN is banking on its brand reputation for in-depth coverage and original storytelling to attract subscribers.
The introductory pricing is a clear strategy to lure early adopters, and the integration of both live and on-demand video with full article access is a strong value proposition for dedicated news consumers who might have cut the cord.
Beyond Streaming: Warner Bros. Discovery's Shifting Landscape
It’s worth noting that this launch comes during a period of significant change for CNN's parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). WBD announced in June that it plans to split into two public companies by 2026. CNN will be part of the "global networks company," separating from the "streaming and studios" entity that includes its movie properties and HBO Max.
This corporate reshuffling highlights the importance of CNN developing a sustainable digital-video product, especially as traditional cable viewership continues to decline. While competitors like NBC News and CBS News have already established free content offerings on various platforms, CNN is making a calculated move to monetize its digital presence more directly with All Access.
Only time will tell if CNN All Access can break the mold and thrive where its predecessors faltered. For now, news fans have a new option to consider on October 28th.
Frequently Asked Questions About CNN All Access
Sources:
- Based on provided articles from Reuters, CNBC, Engadget, Deadline, The Verge, Gizmodo, Business Insider, Vulture, and The Desk.