The new CNN Fast channel will be free-to-stream through a number of smart TVs and other streaming devices.
CNN Fast is a new free ad-supported streaming television channel that offers short-form videos featuring international stories across news, business, entertainment, sport and the environment.
The channel has launched today, 23rd May, via Rakuten TV in the UK and several other European countries.
LG Smart TV users will be able to watch CNN Fast from Wednesday 24th May via LG Channels.
Then, in June, CNN Fast will launch on Samsung TV Plus, available on Samsung Smart TVs, smartphones and tablets. Samsung TV Plus currently features a free livestream of CNN International.
CNN’s owner Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) said in a statement that it would “complement the existing ways” that people can consume CNN.
But viewers using traditional TV platforms, such as Sky, BT or Virgin Media won’t be able to access CNN’s latest new service.
Rivals Euronews and Bloomberg already use streaming platforms to offer special online-only channels with Euronews Stories and Bloomberg Originals.
WBD said the launch of the new channel “builds on the work that CNN has done in the Connected TV (CTV) space with Rakuten TV, LG Channels and Samsung TV Plus to diversify the ways people can watch CNN’s content. “
Corporate comment
Humphrey Black, Head of Distribution Strategy at CNN International Commercial, said,
“CNN Fast offers a new and different user experience to the main CNN broadcast channel. By working with established [Connected TV] platform partners, where we have already seen considerable success for CNN content, we’re now able to connect with more viewers and households via the devices and formats that they already enjoy. This is an exciting approach that gives audiences a new way to experience CNN’s renowned journalism and storytelling.”
Where in Europe is CNN Fast available?
CNN Fast is now available in the following countries:
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and UK.
It will be available in more countries and platforms in the coming year.
CNN has already launched similar streaming services in the United States, via Samsung TV Plus and Pluto TV.
Marc Thornham