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Apr 21, 2022

One of The First Casualities of Streaming Wars Is: CNN+

Yes you read that correctly, CNN+ is set to shut down.

Image Credit: Cheyne Gateley/VIP+; Adobe Stock

The shut down has a fast turn around, with Warner Brothers expected to shut down CNN+ on April 30th. This action will mark the first significant maneuver since completing the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery less than two weeks ago. The decision curtails CNN’s efforts to join the streaming wars. CNN+ was literally stopped in its tracks before it could become a player on the board.

“This decision is in line with WBD’s broader direct-to-consumer strategy,” said Chris Licht, the incoming CEO of CNN, in a statement. “In a complex streaming market, consumers want simplicity and an all-in service, which provides a better experience and more value than stand-alone offerings.” Zaslav has been open in the recent past about his desire to combine all of the company’s streaming-video assets, which also include Discovery+ and HBO Max, under a single umbrella.