CNN is to include live video on its website free-of-charge. The global news broadcaster has previously included the majority of its video content as part of the paid for Pipeline service. The changes take place on July 1 and CNN is to refund any unused portion of subscriptions.
Pipeline includes a live feed of CNN International, news reports, and selected streams of other international broadcasters. It was established to head off criticism from cable operators who were unwilling to pay carriage fees if the same content was also available on the Web.
In recent weeks BBC News 24 has been made available as a live stream in the UK and Sky News has also revamped its Web presence. US broadcasters including NBC also make their news content available free-of-charge on the Web and as podcasts where CNN also has an interest.