(Reuters) – CNN has rolled out a paywall and is asking some of its users to pay $3.99 a month to access its content, the news website said on Tuesday, as it looks to generate a digital revenue stream.
This move comes at a time when several publications like the New York Times have already launched and seen success with subscription models that have helped grow their subscriber base.
With cable TV viewership and revenue declining, news organizations including CNN are trying to monetize digital media to offset the decline in television, which was previously a major source of revenue.
“Starting today, we’re asking users in the United States to pay a small recurring fee for unlimited access to CNN.com’s world-class articles,” said Alex MacCallum, CNN’s executive vice president of digital products and services.
The push for subscriptions also parallels CNN CEO Mark Thompson’s plans to shift the company from a television-focused organization to a multi-platform news company by strengthening its digital operations.
CNN, owned by Warner Bros Discovery (NASDAQ:), will only push for a subscription after users read a certain number of free articles per month, MacCallum added.
Subscribers can access CNN’s articles and other content, including original documentaries and exclusive election articles. They will also have access to daily curated news selections and see fewer ads, the company said.
The paid subscription is in its preliminary form and will be expanded over time to meet users’ needs, according to CNN.
