A subscription-based livestream of CNN International is to launch in the UK.
CNN livestream will be available on mobile and desktop without the need for an additional TV package. It will initially be streamed ad-free, though an ad supported product is under consideration.
The launch is expected to take place in June with the price being announced nearer the time.
“As consumer behaviour and media consumption habits rapidly change, all media companies need to be looking at how and where they make their content available,” said Rani Raad, President, CNN Worldwide Commercial. “By moving to a paid-for model for our livestream of CNN International, we are ensuring that CNN is accessible to anyone in the UK without the need for a TV package and available to watch live wherever they are.”
Initially the product will be for the UK market only, but CNN is currently assessing other markets and plans to introduce the service in other markets outside of the United States.
The UK is CNN’s third largest market behind the US and Canada in digital audience. CNN’s UK digital audience grew 73% in 2020.
All access to other content on CNN.com and the CNN app remains available without charge for UK audiences, and CNN International remains available on TV in the UK via Sky, Virgin TV, BT and Freesat.
There is already a separate product available to US audiences, affiliated to local cable networks.