Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming service Max has made a big change by removing CNN Max, which includes its live news channel that is available around-the-clock, from its ad-supported subscription tier.
The live CNN content that has been a mainstay of the service since its launch in September 2023 will no longer be available to users on the basic with-ads plan as of March 30, 2025. As announced back in February, viewers will now need to upgrade to one of Max’s ad-free plans, either the Standard tier at $17 per month or the Premium tier at $21 per month, in order to continue enjoying CNN Max’s 24/7 news stream and unique programs.
Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed the decision late Monday, ending nearly two years of providing CNN Max to all Max members, irrespective of plan type. CNN Max, which was first introduced as part of a “open beta” to introduce live news to the platform, included a combination of CNN US and CNN International programming in addition to original series designed for streaming viewers, like CNN Newsroom with Jim Acosta and The Lead with Jake Tapper. The service has been a special lure for Max, differentiating itself in a competitive streaming market by offering free real-time news and high-end entertainment.
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A representative at Warner Bros. Discovery clarified that the modification was a component of a larger plan to improve Max’s programming. The statement said, “We’re dedicated to providing our subscribers with the best value possible.” “We’re improving the ad-free experience while maintaining a strong entertainment library across all tiers by reserving CNN Max and its live news capabilities for our Standard and Premium plans.” Recent changes to Max’s sports content, which saw live B/R Sports events similarly limited to ad-free plans beginning March 30, 2025, are also consistent with this decision.
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Due to the loss of CNN Max’s live stream, ad-supported users will have to rely on other news sources or CNN Originals that will be accessible on-demand across all plans, such as The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper and Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. Some customers, however, are upset by the elimination of the 24/7 channel since they appreciated how easy it was to get breaking news in addition to Max’s entertainment selection.
The change occurs as Warner Bros. Discovery continues to manage the changing streaming landscape and the digital future of its news division. The short-lived CNN+ service, which shut down in 2022 after only a few weeks of operation, was supposed to be replaced by CNN Max. In contrast to its predecessor, CNN Max made use of Max’s pre-existing infrastructure to reach more people at a reduced cost of entry. But limiting live news to more expensive plans points to a shift toward premiumization, which may be done to increase income in the face of competition.
Max’s vast collection of HBO originals, Warner Bros. movies, and Discovery material is still available to subscribers on the ad-supported tier, which costs $9.99 a month. However, those who want the instant access to CNN’s live coverage will now have to pay for it. Users can upgrade their plans by going to max.com; changes take effect instantly for new customers and at the following billing cycle for existing ones. Max’s most recent action highlights the widening gap between entry-level and premium experiences in the digital entertainment market as streaming providers aggressively bundle and package their goods.
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