HBO Max subscribers lose access to CNN livestream on November 17

In a significant change for streaming viewers, HBO Max will discontinue access to the CNN livestream starting November 17, as announced by Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). While subscribers will lose the ability to watch CNN live, they will still have access to a selection of CNN's shows and documentaries on demand. The CNN Max livestream was introduced as an open beta in September 2023, featuring a mix of content from CNN's U.S. and international segments, alongside programs created exclusively for HBO Max. However, WBD's decision to remove the CNN channel from HBO Max signals its strategy to launch a standalone streaming service for CNN, contributing to the ongoing evolution of the streaming landscape. This new service, expected to debut this fall, aims to deliver original CNN programming along with various features such as live channels, catch-up options, and on-demand videos. In a recent statement, Alex MacCallum, EVP of digital products and services for CNN, emphasized the valuable insights gained from the two-year experience of providing a live 24/7 news feed to HBO Max users. He expressed enthusiasm about leveraging this knowledge to attract a broader audience with the upcoming subscription service. Additionally, WBD plans to integrate subscriptions to CNN's new platform into an 'All Access' package, which will also grant users access to premium articles on CNN's website. This move reflects the ongoing trend of developing specialized streaming services as the industry continues to evolve.