CNN Withdraws from Apple News After Decade-Long Partnership
In a significant shift within the digital news landscape, CNN has ceased its content distribution through Apple News, ending a partnership that spanned over ten years. This development, first reported by Semafor, indicates that CNN quietly removed its articles from the platform over the weekend. While the exact reasons remain undisclosed, ongoing discussions between CNN and Apple suggest potential negotiations for a new agreement.
Since 2015, CNN has been a pivotal contributor to Apple News, offering meticulously crafted feature stories that combined photos, videos, and animations to create immersive, interactive experiences for readers. This collaboration significantly enriched the content diversity available on Apple’s news platform.
The timing of CNN’s withdrawal coincides with notable changes within the network, including leadership transitions and the recent launch of its digital subscription service. This service introduces a paywall for certain online content, with subscription plans priced at $29.99 per year for articles-only access and $69.99 per year for an all-access version that includes streaming, discounted to $41.99 for the first year.
Neither CNN nor Apple has provided official comments regarding the cessation of their partnership. However, industry observers speculate that CNN’s decision may serve as a strategic move to renegotiate terms with Apple, aiming to align with its new subscription-based revenue model.
In the interim, Apple News continues to expand its premium offerings. The Apple News+ subscription tier recently incorporated content from The Washington Post, joining The Wall Street Journal as major publications accessible through the service. Apple News+ is available for $12.99 per month and is also included in the Apple One Premiere bundle, which encompasses Apple TV, Apple Music, and more.
This development underscores the evolving dynamics between news organizations and digital platforms, highlighting the ongoing negotiations to balance content accessibility with sustainable business models in the digital age.
