CNN’s brand-new streaming service, CNN+, is shutting down only a month after launch.
Chris Licht, the new CNN chief executive stated that the service would be closed at April’s end in a Thursday memo.
CNN+ launched when its parent was still part of AT&T. This month, it merged with Discovery to create Warner Bros. Discovery was led by David Zaslav (Discovery CEO), who also had his vision for CNN’s Warner brothers.
In his memo, Licht said consumers wanted “simplicity and an all-in service” rather than “stand-alone offerings.” Discovery had previously suggested that it wanted to merge the new company’s separate streaming services, which include Discovery+ and HBO Max, into a single app.
Licht said some CNN+ content will wind up on other company networks, and the streaming service’s employees will get opportunities to apply for jobs elsewhere inside Warner Bros. Discovery. Andrew Morse (head of CNN+) is leaving the company.
“While today’s decision is incredibly difficult, it is the right one for the long-term success of CNN. It allows us to refocus resources on the core products that drive our singular focus: further enhancing CNN’s journalism and its reputation as a global news leader,” Licht wrote.
Under AT&T, there were $100 million in development costs and some 500 employees assigned to building out CNN+.
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