• by Ray Schultz , July 10, 2024

CNN plans to launch a subscription service by the end of the year, Variety reports, citing an internal memo from CNN CEO Mark Thompson. 

Also, there will be two ad-supported products, one leveraging CNN’s original series and productions, and the other its Spanish-language service. 

This is occurring as CNN has eliminated 100 newsroom jobs, about 2.8% of its employee base, Variety reports.  

It is not yet clear what form the subscription products will take, but they will be offered via the CNN website, not as a separate streaming hub, Variety writes. Thompson notes that CNN will develop “new digital products with a special focus on digital experiences worth paying for.” 

“We plan to take the journalistic firepower, user-experience and commercial potential of CNN Digital to the next level with strategic commitment, significant fresh investment, an injection of specialist expertise and plenty of creativity and experimentation,” Thompson says, according to Variety. 

As for the layoff, Thompson says, “Our priority throughout this process will be to treat them and every other CNN colleague with the respect, dignity, and the support you all deserve, including severance packages, career counseling and assistance with job placement.”