Max Introduces 24/7 Live Streaming News with CNN Max

Max, the streaming service previously known as HBO Max, announced this morning it’s adding 24/7 live streaming news with the addition of “CNN Max,” starting on September 27 in the U.S.

Max, the popular streaming service formerly known as HBO Max, has exciting news for its subscribers. The company has officially announced the addition of “CNN Max,” a 24/7 live streaming news feature set to launch on September 27 in the United States. This beta launch aims to offer Max viewers an extensive selection of live content from CNN US, CNN International, and other original programming, catering to the diverse interests of its audience.

Expanding Content for Max Viewers

The new introduction of “CNN Max” will not only bring live news to Max’s streaming service but will also provide programming tailored specifically for the platform’s audience. Max subscribers can look forward to watching highly regarded shows like “CNN Newsroom with Jim Acosta, Rahel Solomon, Amara Walker, and Fredricka Whitfield” and “CNN Newsroom with Jim Sciutto.” Additionally, Jim Sciutto will lead breaking news coverage in the afternoons, ensuring viewers stay up to date with the latest happenings.

As for other renowned anchors and programs, Max will feature shows like “Amanpour,” “Anderson Cooper 360,” “The Lead with Jake Tapper,” and “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer,” among many others. This diverse lineup promises to keep viewers engaged and informed.

A New Hub for CNN Originals

Alongside the live news streaming, the current CNN Originals hub on Max will be rebranded as CNN Max. This hub offers Max subscribers access to a wealth of live news, originals, and over 900 episodes of both current and legacy content. Notable titles include “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?,” “The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper,” “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” (Seasons 1-12), “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy” (Seasons 1-2), and the CNN Films’ and Max Original “NAVALNY.”

Users will be able to conveniently access this content from the top navigation bar under a new “News Beta” tab, allowing for seamless exploration and discovery.

Learnings from CNN+ and Future Direction

This launch comes in the wake of CNN+’s shutdown, a standalone streaming news service that failed to attract viewers. CNN+ ceased operations a mere month after its arrival in April 2022. The decision to shut down CNN+ was driven by the belief that the CNN brand could be better leveraged within a broader streaming solution.

Max follows a similar path taken by other streaming services that have combined news offerings with an entertainment-focused platform. Paramount+ live streams news from CBSN, while even free destinations like The Roku Channel have added news to enhance their content selection.

Warner Bros. Discovery’s Vision for Max

After the departure of ex-WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar, David Zaslav now leads the new Warner Bros. Discovery. As a controversial figure, Zaslav aims to redefine the Max brand by rebranding it and dropping the iconic “HBO” from its name. However, the rebranding process led to a loss of 1.8 million subscribers, with some individuals opting to cancel overlapping Max and Discovery+ subscriptions.

Despite these losses, Warner Bros. Discovery remains optimistic about the future. The company forecasts streaming profitability by 2025, indicating a strong commitment to delivering a compelling streaming experience.

Max’s Commitment to the Ultimate Streaming Experience

JB Perrette, CEO and President, Global Streaming and Games, expressed his excitement about the launch of CNN Max, stating, “Our vision for Max is to be The One to Watch for all members of a household.” Perrette highlighted Max’s vast and high-quality entertainment offering, now fortified by world-leading news from CNN. He believes that CNN Max’s availability on a scaled streaming service in the U.S., with a significantly younger and additive audience, positions it as a unique and valuable offering in the market.

With the addition of CNN Max, Max subscribers can look forward to a more immersive and diverse streaming experience. This live news feature complements Max’s already extensive content library, further solidifying Max’s position as a leading streaming service in the industry. Stay tuned for the launch of CNN Max on September 27, and be ready to consume news in a whole new way.