América de Cali vs Junior: Home Dominance Meets Road Struggles in Key Clausura Clash

CNN has removed its content from Apple News. The network pulled its stories over the weekend. This ends a distribution partnership that began nearly a decade ago.

The CNN logo is seen during the Republican presidential debate hosted by CNN at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. January 10, 2024. REUTERS/Mike Segar

According to a report from Semafor, the removal was abrupt. The CNN feed is no longer available for subscription within the Apple News app. Negotiations for a new agreement are reportedly still ongoing.

Paywall Strategy Drives CNN’s Decision

This move coincides with CNN’s recent push into paid subscriptions. The network now offers two primary subscription tiers. An articles-only plan costs $29.99 per year.

A more expensive “All Access” plan is priced at $69.99 annually. It bundles written journalism with the CNN streaming service. Placing more content behind a paywall conflicts with the broader distribution model of Apple News.

The removal leaves a significant gap in Apple News’ political and general news coverage. CNN was one of the platform’s original launch partners in 2015. Its departure signals a growing tension between publishers and tech platforms.

Broader Implications for Digital News Distribution

This development highlights a split strategy among major media companies. Some publishers, including People and Condé Nast brands, have embraced Apple News. Others remain cautious about ceding control of their audience and revenue.

For Apple, losing a high-profile partner like CNN is a notable setback. It challenges the platform’s value proposition as a one-stop news destination. The outcome of the ongoing talks will be closely watched across the media industry.

If a new deal is not reached, CNN readers must go directly to its website or app. This shift underscores the news industry’s broader effort to build direct relationships with consumers and reduce reliance on third-party aggregators.

The departure of CNN from Apple News marks a pivotal moment for digital media. This move reflects a deeper industry-wide realignment. The future of news distribution is being rewritten, one partnership at a time.

Info at your fingertips

Why did CNN leave Apple News?

The decision is linked to CNN’s new subscription service. The network is placing more content behind its own paywall. This conflicts with the free-to-reader model of Apple News.

Can I still read CNN articles on Apple News?

No, the CNN channel has been removed from the app. You cannot subscribe to it or see new stories. Readers must visit CNN’s website or app directly for its content.

Will CNN ever return to Apple News?

Reports indicate negotiations are still happening. A return is possible if a new distribution deal is reached. The terms of any potential new agreement are not yet public.

How does this affect Apple News users?

Users lose a major source of general and political news. The app’s content library is now less comprehensive. This may push some readers to seek news directly from publisher websites.

What are CNN’s new subscription plans?

CNN offers a $29.99-per-year plan for articles. Its $69.99 “All Access” tier includes streaming video. Both plans place premium content behind a direct paywall.