CNN+ will shut down less than a month after launch

CNN+, the subscription streaming service from cable news giant CNN, will shut down less than a month after its official launch, according to people familiar with the matter.

The move follows the merger between WarnerMedia, CNN’s parent company, and Discovery to form Warner Bros. Discovery. The streamer’s debut also comes amid internal turmoil related to the resignation of CNN president Jeff Zucker and the removal of other Warner executives.

In a memo sent to employees Thursday morning and reviewed by The Daily Beast, incoming network CEO Chris Licht informed employees that there will be an “important” general meeting at the meeting. lunch. During this meeting, sources told The Daily Beast, that it will be announced that the streaming service will be implemented within the next week.

Variety and CNN also reported on the upcoming closure on Thursday. As CNN reports, the last day of the much hyped streamers will be April 30.

CNN did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

At least one CNN+ employee, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Daily Beast that they learned of the news from breaking news. “Yes, we haven’t said a word yet. Welcome,” the staff member said.

During the hands-on meeting, Licht told employees that “CNN+ is shutting down” because it “doesn’t align with the company’s larger streaming strategy.”

“I want to look you in the eye to tell you how proud I am of the blood, sweat and tears that have built a foundation in the amount of time that you have,” Licht told employees, according to a source. trust in meeting.

Additionally, Licht confirmed during the meeting that executive vice president Andrew Morse, who has overseen CNN+, is at the company. The move comes after Warner Bros. Discovery replaces CNN CFO Brad Ferrer with Discovery CFO Neil Chugani.

“This just feels a bit dodgy and mismanaged in the first place,” said one CNN online employee, who added that “dozens” of their friends will now have to jostle for jobs online. net.

“They’re basically making us fight for jobs,” another CNN employee said.

“As a network, we’ve been through a lot in just a few months. The hits just kept coming,” the CNN character noted. “And it’s becoming a very stressful and difficult place to work.”

Management also blamed former CNN exec Jeff Zucker, telling assembled employees that management had previously pursued the streaming platform even though it wasn’t necessarily a good strategy.

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