CNN Introduces Paywall for News Sites — Will Cost $3.99 Per Month for ‘Unlimited’ Access

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CNN, like many others news sites across the industry, has launched a new subscription model asking users to pay for “unlimited” access to its reporting.

CNN’s Brian Stelter on Tuesday published the announcement on CNN Business. The subscription — the company’s first attempt at a paywall — will cost $3.99 per month. Those who aren’t subscribed will be limited to a “certain number of free articles” before being “prompted to subscribe,” CNN executive vice president of digital products and services Alex MacCallum said in a memo.

“Over time, we will invest in ways to better meet our users’ needs,” MacCallum added, “and expand our aperture to engage and serve new audiences.”

While this is the first time CNN will put their articles behind a paywall, it isn’t the first time it’s taken a crack at paid content. As Selter mentioned in his report, the company tried to get into the streaming industry with CNN+ in 2022. It lasted just 30 days before being shut down.

Remnants of that effort can be seen in CNN’s latest paid content model, with “original documentaries” being among the benefits of the new subscription.

“In addition to unlimited access to CNN.com’s articles,” MacCallum said in the memo, “subscribers will receive benefits like exclusive election features, original documentaries, a curated daily selection of our most distinctive journalism, and fewer digital ads.”