CNN Plus is CNN's new streaming service that features much of the network's original works and a "completely distinct experience."
However, fate had other plans for the streaming service.
A report from The Verge mentioned that the network's new streaming service is shutting down on April 30, per an announcement memo from network CEO Chris Licht.
The network assures that CNN+ subscribers "will receive prorated refunds of subscription fees," the network said, per CNN Business.
CNN+ Closing Announcement Specifics
According to Licht's announcement memo to CNN+, the decision is not "a reflection of the quality of the talent and content at CNN Plus" but a broader strategy. He explained that the network had to shut down the streaming service because customers wanted simplicity and an all-in service in streaming services, which "provides a better experience and more value than stand-alone offerings."
CNN Business also added that the decision to shut the streaming service down was made following the merger between CNN's former parent company, WarnerMedia, and Discovery to form Warner Bros. Discovery earlier this month.
Licht also added that CNN+ employees are said to receive pay and benefits for the next 90 days, while those who weren't able to get other roles within the network will get at least six months' severance.
It is worth noting that Andrew Morse, the head of the doomed subscription service, is leaving the company.
Licht was also reported to have said in a town hall-style meeting with CNN+ staff that the app had "an incredibly successful launch" but was simply incompatible with the newly merged company's plans.
The netowrk will instead focus its investment on CNN's core news-gathering operations and[,] in further building CNN Digital, Licht said, per Tech Crunch.
CNN Digital was the network's prior streaming service before CNN+ was launched. Additionally, the network planned to invest $1 billion on the doomed streaming service over a few years, with the company previously commiting at least $100 million (and as much as $300 million) into CNN+.
Meanwhile, the shows hosted by prominent network personalities that were promised to be onboard CNN+, such as of Chris Wallace's and Kasie Hunt's, could continue in some form or cancelled as the fate of these shows is still not immediately clear.
CNN+ History
CNN+ was released at the start of spring 2022. To be more specific, the network launched the streaming service on March 29. Despite the streaming service offering a "completely distinct experience," roughly less than 10,000 were viewing its content at the daily.
The network even compared its debut performance with Disney+'s, which had 10 million subscribers on their first day alone.
Despite the low numbers, a CNN spokesperson said that the network is "happy with the launch and its progress after only two weeks."
The streaming service was supposed to host the network's new live shows, original series, and new features such as interactive interviews.
