In response to ongoing financial challenges, CNN will begin a new approach by introducing a monthly subscription fee of $3.99 for access to its website.
“Starting today, we are asking users in the United States to pay a small recurring fee for unlimited access to CNN.com’s world-class articles,” CNN’s Executive Vice President of Digital Products and Services Alex MacCallum stated.
Users will be prompted to subscribe after reading a limited number of free articles, gaining unlimited access along with additional perks like exclusive content and fewer ads.
“Only after users consume a certain number of free articles will they be prompted to subscribe,” MacCallum said.
“Over time, we will invest in ways to better meet our users’ needs and expand our aperture to engage and serve new audiences,” MacCallum wrote.
The shift aims to compensate for declining cable revenues and reflects a broader trend in the media industry towards subscription models.
Despite this, concerns regarding accessibility have continued to arise, as paywalls may restrict information access for those unable to pay.
