CNN Criticized After Announcing Desperate Cash Grab to Revive Struggling Network

If you ever needed proof that the people in charge at CNN are completely out of touch with how the public views them, look no further than their latest move.

The embattled news outlet revealed on Tuesday that it plans to introduce a new initiative designed to actually push readers away from its news platform.

Yes, really.

In a bizarrely tone-deaf announcement, CNN's self-reporting kicked off with this: “CNN, one of the most popular news websites in the world, is starting to ask some of its visitors to pay $3.99 a month for access.”

While CNN may be using the term "most popular" rather generously, the rest of the report is equally mind-boggling, as the arrogance on display only deepens.

CNN essentially admitted that the reason behind the move is financial: “On Tuesday, the news organization is laying the first bricks in a so-called paywall that should, over time, help foot the bill for CNN’s journalism around the world.”

Given the current economic climate, it’s no shock that this boils down to money.

What is somewhat surprising, though, is how CNN continues to overestimate the value of its content, despite its plummeting ratings.

Exhibit A: Alex MacCallum, CNN’s executive vice president of digital products and services.

MacCallum sent a memo to staff explaining the details of the paywall CNN is about to implement.

“Starting today, we are asking users in the United States to pay a small recurring fee for unlimited access to CNN.com’s world-class articles,” MacCallum said.

He went on to elaborate on the mechanics of the paywall.

“Only after users consume a certain number of free articles will they be prompted to subscribe,” MacCallum explained in the memo. “In addition to unlimited access to CNN.com’s articles, subscribers will receive benefits like exclusive election features, original documentaries, a curated daily selection of our most distinctive journalism, and fewer digital ads.”

So, to sum it up: a network that is already struggling to attract viewers, despite being included in cable packages, now expects consumers to pay extra to read articles that will likely be available on social media or competitor websites.

Again, seriously.

It’s no surprise that CNN is facing heavy criticism for this questionable business move.

Just check out some of the reactions to CNN’s announcement on social media platform X, where re-hired CNN personality Brian Stelter shared the news:

One user pointed out: “I know you guys need to make money, but instead of this, you could try returning to honest, unbiased coverage. That would attract more viewers.”

The same user added: “This will be the last nail in your coffin.”

Another X user didn’t hesitate to remind CNN of their previous failed venture into paid services.

“It’s like the CNN+ fiasco never happened,” they posted.

(For context, CNN+ was a streaming service launched in 2022 that barely lasted a month before shutting down.)

And as for CNN’s apparent echo chamber?

Consider this patronizing closing line from the network’s announcement: “Still, many readers and viewers don’t connect the dots between personally paying for news and helping to sustain the industry as a whole.”

Readers are connecting the dots, alright.

They just aren’t interested in paying for a network that operates as a mouthpiece for the Democratic Party.