CNN+ fails with new live streaming service less than 10,000 viewers

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 New shows developed for the service include “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?” And a library of CNN personalities hosting live. The stars include Anderson Cooper and Christiane Amanpour, as well as culture shows with celebrity hosts like W. Kamau Bell and Anthony Tucci.

This seems to be a very tepid launch. And the issue is heightened by the fact that Disney Plus had over 10 million subscribers on the first day it became available. And the NBC Peacock service reported that it had its first 10 million in its first quarter.

 CNN was projecting that upwards of 2 million subscribers would come onboard for the first year. 

The CNN+ fails may be partially explained by a shakeup in leadership at CNN following the firing of former leader Jeff Zucker and his number 2 in charge Allison Gollust. And the recent scandal with popular host Chris Cuomo’s involvement with his brother’s fight to stay Governor of New York. And the sex trafficking arrest of a veteran CNN producer.

The streaming platform is one of several services from CNN parent company newly minted as Warner Bros. Discovery. HBO Max and Discovery Plus are Warner Bros. efforts. And the recent merger of Warner Brothers and Discovery may also be complicating the launch.