Thu Sep 26 15:04:37 UTC 2024: ## CNN to Test Paywall on its Website, Following in Footsteps of The New York Times

In a bid to bolster its revenue amid declining cable viewership, CNN is set to implement a paywall on its website, CNN.com, starting in early October. This move, led by CEO Mark Thompson, former head of The New York Times, will involve a “metered model,” requiring users to pay after reading a certain number of articles.

While the exact subscription price remains unconfirmed, CNN is reportedly aiming for an affordable option to gauge customer demand. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to capitalize on its massive online audience, with CNN.com drawing hundreds of millions of visitors monthly.

This marks a significant shift for CNN, which previously experimented with a dedicated streaming service, CNN+, that ultimately failed. Unlike CNN+, the new subscription program will focus on monetizing existing content rather than producing new exclusives, ensuring cost-efficiency and avoiding potential conflicts with cable distribution partners.

In preparation for this transition, CNN has already been testing a “registration wall” requiring users to provide their email addresses for access. This data collection allows them to target ads and better market the upcoming paid subscription service.

While the paywall implementation will be closely monitored to assess user reaction and adjust accordingly, CNN is hoping to replicate the success of other news organizations like The New York Times, which have successfully implemented metered paywalls for digital access.

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