CNN’s new streaming service will cost subscribers a monthly $5.99, according to reports.
$5.99 is at the lower end of established streaming services. It is twice the amount that UK audiences currently pay to watch a live stream of CNN’s International feed. The annual rate will be $59.00.
But for its first month of operation, CNN+ will have a launch rate of $2.99 that subscribers will be able to hold onto for life.
The project, one of the last to be executed by WarnerMedia ahead of its merger with Discovery has already spent $120 million in start up costs through the hiring of on-air talent such as former Fox News anchor Chris Wallace and former NPR (National Public Radio) presenter Audie Cornish. There are also new shows for established CNN names including Anderson Cooper and Wolf Blitzer.
Los Angeles Times, which first reported the proposed subscription cost, adds the news channel’s digital future was not initially disclosed to the new owners leading to questions over the long term commitment.
The $350 million investment in the new service was agreed by WarnerMedia chief executive Jason Kilar after the merger was agreed, but before it was announced he would be leaving the company.
