News Networks

CNN.com will soon charge for its content

CompuScoop Staff September 28, 2024 0 3

CNN is set to join the ranks of publications like The New Yorker and The Wall Street Journal by introducing a subscription paywall for some of its digital content starting next month. This move comes as the media giant seeks to diversify its revenue streams amid a decline in traditional cable TV viewership.

According to The New York Times, CNN will implement a “metered” paywall in early October, limiting frequent readers to a certain number of free articles before requiring a paid subscription for continued access. While the exact subscription price remains undisclosed, sources suggest it will initially be “an inexpensive offering to gauge customer demand.”

This shift follows CNN’s earlier experiment with a “registration wall,” prompting readers to provide their email address to access certain articles. The paywall initiative was hinted at in July during a company restructuring, with CNN Chairman Mark Thompson outlining plans to establish a digital subscription business with the goal of generating “more than a billion dollars in revenue.”

As one of the most visited news website in the US, attracting over 440 million visits per month, CNN’s foray into subscription models could significantly impact the digital media landscape. The success of this venture will likely depend on striking a balance between attracting paying subscribers and maintaining its wide online reach.

This move reflects a broader trend in the media industry, with many publications adopting subscription models to navigate the challenges posed by evolving consumer habits and declining advertising revenue. Whether CNN’s gamble will pay off remains to be seen, but it signifies a significant step in the company’s strategy to adapt and thrive in the digital age.

Via: Cord Cutters News

BBC Staff offer Trauma Support over Israel/Gaza Coverage

CompuScoop Staff October 22, 2023 2

The BBC has offered extra support to staff who are facing abuse and attacks, and finding their mental health suffering over the corporation’s coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Last week saw the BBC’s London headquarters vandalised with red paint by a pro-Palestinian protest group, which accused the broadcaster of having “blood on its hands” over its Israel-Hamas coverage.

An email seen by Deadline was sent to all the staff working in BBC News and Current Affairs from the Chief Operating Officer Sam Taylor, who wrote:

“As we approach nearly two weeks of covering the Israel-Gaza conflict, I’d like to share more information on the support available for individuals and teams, including those working day-to-day with the harrowing content, footage and testimony from the region.

“I know from my experience working on upsetting, running news stories over the years that you can be doing fine, but sometimes that can change, and you need a bit more help or to talk things through.

“So, in addition to the staff sessions and resources already available, our Safety and Mental Health specialists are offering more targeted support where needed. Below are details on what’s on offer, and I would encourage you to consider making use of any of these resources.”

Resources offered include:

The BBC and its staff have faced increasing pressure over the past fortnight for its coverage of the conflict in the Middle East. Some staff have reported receiving personal abuse. The Guardian quotes a BBC insider saying “it is proving really stressful” facing the additional “rage” at the BBC’s coverage, as “it’s stressful enough reporting on the [conflict] because … it’s appalling.”

The broadcaster confirmed it will be reducing its use of the word “militants” to describe Hamas. It has been defending its decision not to use the word “terrorists” for the organisation. Its director-general Tim Davie will attend Parliament this week where he will answer questions from MPs on the corporation’s coverage.

Via: Deadline.com

CNN to pull back on original series, films, and more

Dan Uff October 28, 2022 1

Variety is reporting that according to an internal memo, the new heads of CNN are planning to cut back on original series and films starting in 2023 to focus on more news and current events.

According to the article:

CNN is pulling back on production of the original series and films that have been a staple of its programming over the past decade. Series like Borudain’s “Parts Unknown” Tucci’s “Searching for Italy” and W. Kamau Bell’s “United Shades of America” have proven valuable in helping CNN broaden its aperture and were a pillar of the network under its previous leader, Jeff Zucker.

CNN will air six of its original content in 2023. Stating again from the article:

CNN will air six of its original series and six CNN Films in 2023, Licht said, but the executive who oversees that area of the network’s programming, Amy Entelis, is being tasked with finding new ways to “approach longform content in house,” Licht said. “My goal is to find a model that will enable us to bring our audiences this type of programming with greater flexibility,” Licht said. Entelis was one of three longtime CNN executives asked to help run the network after the abrupt exit of Zucker, who left CNN after revelations of a relationship he had with Allison Gollust, then CNN’s chief marketing officer.

It looks like the powers that be at Warner Bros./Discovery are trying to bring CNN back to its roots. Only time will tell if this will work or not.

CNN’s first chief news anchor dies at the age of 82

CompuScoop Staff September 8, 2022 1

Bernard Shaw, the venerable TV news anchor who helped turn CNN into a powerhouse, has died. He was 82.

Shaw died Wednesday from pneumonia not related to COVID-19, his family said.

Based in Washington D.C. when CNN launched, Shaw, known as Bernie to friends and colleagues, was the cable news channel’s lead anchor for two decades until his retirement in 2001.

During his tenure, Shaw anchored major breaking news events, like the attempted assassination of President Reagan in 1981, the Tiananmen Square student revolt in 1988 and every presidential election.

Via: The Hollywood Reporter