CNN has set up a paywall and is asking some of its users to pay $3.99 a month to access its content, the news site announced Tuesday, as it seeks to generate a digital revenue stream.
The move comes as several publications, such as the New York Times, have already launched and successfully implemented subscription models that have helped increase subscriber numbers.
Faced with declining audiences and revenues for cable television, news organizations including CNN are seeking to leverage digital media to offset the decline of television, which was previously a key revenue source.
“Starting today, we’re asking U.S. users to pay a small recurring fee for unlimited access to CNN.com’s world-class stories,” said Alex MacCallum, executive vice president of digital products and services at CNN.com. CNN.
The introduction of the subscription is also part of CNN CEO Mark Thompson’s plans to transition the company from a television-focused organization to a multi-platform news business by strengthening its digital business .
CNN, which is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, will only entice users to subscribe after they have read a certain number of free articles per month, Mr. MacCallum added.
Subscribers will have access to CNN stories and other content, including original documentaries and exclusive election reporting. They will also have access to a selection of daily news stories and see fewer advertisements, the company said.
The paid subscription is in its preliminary form and will expand over time to meet user needs, CNN reported.
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