CNN has launched a new streaming subscription service called All Access, marking a strategic effort to meet the changing demands of news consumers in a mobile-first, direct-to-consumer media era. This service integrates seamlessly into CNN’s existing apps and websites and is aimed primarily at cable cord-cutters as well as viewers who consume news largely on their smartphones. The subscription costs $6.99 per month or $69.99 annually, with an introductory offer of $41.99 for the first year for those who subscribe before January 5, 2026.
All Access offers users comprehensive access to CNN’s live U.S. and international news broadcasts, alongside an extensive on-demand library that includes CNN Originals, exclusive series, and films. Additionally, subscribers gain access to all CNN.com articles, including premium content reserved for paying customers. This integrated platform provides a blend of CNN’s traditional video-driven journalism and digital-native content, such as specialist analyses, podcasts with video components, and live field feeds. For instance, Anderson Cooper will host a new weekly show, All There Is Live, which complements his popular podcast by engaging viewers in real-time.
This subscription marks a clear departure from CNN’s earlier attempts with CNN+ and its inclusion in the Warner Bros. Discovery Max platform (now HBO Max). Unlike CNN+, which featured mostly original shows but struggled even before its brief launch, All Access aligns closely with the network’s linear cable news schedule, providing familiar programming amplified with on-demand and exclusive digital content. The service operates primarily between 5 a.m. and midnight Eastern Time, reflecting CNN’s existing broadcast hours and providing a consistent user experience.
Within the broader market, this launch positions CNN distinctively. While other broadcast news networks in the U.S. offer ad-supported streaming channels free of charge, none have committed to a subscription model as comprehensive as All Access. Fox News’ subscription service, Fox Nation, has been known for its conservative-leaning entertainment content rather than full-spectrum news coverage. CNN’s approach builds on an assumption shared by many in the news industry, that subscription revenue offers a sustainable business model amid the continuing decline in pay-TV subscribers and ad revenue shifts.
For users already paying for cable or satellite TV, CNN allows access to the streaming service at no extra cost once logged in with their TV credentials. However, to access unlimited articles online, these customers still need to subscribe to the basic CNN digital tier, previously introduced at a lower price of $3.99 per month. The All Access tier adds richer, video-centric experiences and exclusive content that goes beyond the article-focused Basic level, aiming to offer the most complete CNN experience yet.
Technology integration is a key part of All Access’s appeal. Subscribers can access content across web browsers, mobile devices, and connected TV applications, making it versatile for viewers who shift between devices. CNN aims to fuse its traditional strengths in live televised journalism with the flexibility required by today’s digital viewers, many of whom expect news to be available on-demand and through interactive formats that include audience participation.
The introduction of All Access also signals a potential shift in CNN’s revenue structure away from reliance on cable subscriber fees toward a more direct digital consumer relationship. This mirrors strategies employed by digital-first news organizations like The New York Times, which have successfully integrated subscription bundles that combine core journalism with additional content to deepen engagement and reduce dependence on advertising. If successful, CNN’s evolution may inspire other legacy TV news brands to explore similar subscription models in the increasingly competitive streaming market.
CNN’s All Access subscription service is priced deliberately to appeal to both monthly subscribers and those willing to commit long-term. With the promotional annual rate offering significant savings, CNN expects to incentivize loyalty among early adopters hoping for a more immersive news experience without traditional pay-TV constraints. This reflects a broader industry trend recognizing the value audiences place on personalization, convenience, and choice in how they consume news.
This new tier comes at a pivotal moment for CNN, which, under CEO Mark Thompson and leadership changes, is positioning itself for a digital-first future while preserving its reputation for live, fact-based journalism. How this service fares against competing news and entertainment streamers will be watched closely as subscription-based revenue models continue to reshape the media landscape in the U.S. and beyond.
