08-07-2025
Scoop: CNN relaunches FAST channel with original, live programming
CNN last week quietly relaunched a new and improved version of its free, ad-supported (FAST) streaming channel called CNN Headlines, sources familiar with the effort told Axios.
Why it matters: The service, which is completely separate from CNN's cross-platform streamer launching this fall, gives the company more inventory to sell video advertising to a wider array of marketers.
It also expands CNN's reach across digital platforms.
CNN is soon expected to name a new anchor specifically for live programming on the channel.
State of play: CNN Headlines has existed as a curated, breaking news video service for years. But the product was rudimentary, mostly running clips that have already aired on its cable network through an automated playlist.
Over the past few months, CNN has beefed up CNN Headlines with more live and original programming that it can use to capture data about viewership habits and engagement.
It started producing two hours of a new, live, original show called "CNN Headline Express" at 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. ET, exclusively for the channel.
The shows have been anchored by a rotating cast of fill-in anchors as the soon-to-be-announced anchor is hired and gets settled.
CNN Headlines is available on CNN's website, as well as some smart TV providers and streaming services, such as Amazon Prime Video and Pluto TV. But distribution is still limited. It is not yet available, for example, on Apple TV.
Zoom out: Over the past few years, more news networks have started to experiment with their own FAST channels in the U.S., putting pressure on CNN to improve its offering domestically.
NBC News Now offers 24/7 live breaking news coverage, with specialized shows and anchors.
CBS News 24/7 also offers live, breaking news video and original programming with specialized anchors and talent.
Between the lines: CNN launched an international FAST channel called CNN Fast in 2023. That channel is being renamed CNN Headlines to match the relaunched domestic channel.
CNN also launched a FAST channel called CNN Originals last year that features its original news documentary shows such as "Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown," "This is Life with Lisa Ling" and "The Wonder List with Bill Weir."
The big picture: The revamped CNN Headlines channel is part of a sweeping overhaul of CNN's streaming and video efforts.
CNN plans to debut a new, cross-platform streaming service that will be tied to its new subscription product this fall. CNN's existing cable customers will have free access to that new service.
The company also plans to launch a new app called "CNN Weather" by the end of the year. The app will be available for free to start, but it's expected to eventually be paywalled.
Zoom out: CNN's new package of streaming products is meant to bring CNN into the digital era at a more modest upfront cost.
CNN launched a subscription streaming app, CNN+, in 2022, only to have new owners Warner Bros. Discovery shutter it weeks after launch.
WBD killed the app fearing the network spent too much ($300 million) to launch the service without a quick enough plan for a return on investment.
What to watch: CNN currently runs a curated live programming feed on Max, the streaming service owned by its parent company.
