CNN+ launches without Roku support and sold as NFTs
The new streaming subscription service CNN+ finally launched in the U.S. The service will stream on laptops, tablets, smartphones, and Amazon Fire TV. Of note, it will not be available on Android TVs or Roku. Users must download the CNN app, which will contain both the CNN+ subscription service and access to the existing TV everywhere service for pay TV subscribers. The service costs $5.99/month or $59.99/year and early subscribers who sign up within the first four weeks will get 50% off the monthly plan for life if they remain subscribers. The new CNN+ service features three types of content: live, on-demand and interactive programming. At launch, 8-12 live daily shows will debut, in addition to the first episode of a slate of weekly programming and an on-demand library of more than 1,000 hours of programming from the CNN Original Series and CNN Films teams. CNN will also be selling the first 29 seconds of its live stream '5 Things with Kate Bolduan' at $50 each as a set of NFTs.
The NPD Take:
- WarnerMedia has established a well-rounded streaming portfolio between HBO Max, Discovery+ and now CNN+. Sports are the only notable gap.
- As with HBO Max, Roku remains absent from launch. But the company made sure to offer an NFTs.
NFL considering NFL+ streaming service
It’s been reported that the NFL is looking into creating its own streaming service. The new subscription service would include NFL games as well as podcasts and other league content, but it’s unclear when the service would be launched. The NFL is also in the process of selling rights to its NFL Sunday Ticket (the league’s out-of-market games service) and possibly selling its interest in NFL Media including the NFL Network. Sunday Ticket’s deal with DirecTV expires in 2023.
The NPD Take:
- As with the major media companies, the Sports leagues are looking to see if there is more money to be made in DTC distribution.
- While it will take a few years, Sports are finally migrating to streaming. As such, cable and satellite TV will no longer have this exclusive draw to retain subscribers.