CNN+ to shut down weeks after its launch

CNN+, the much publicized streaming offshoot service of the cable news giant, will be shut down later this month, a person familiar with the plans confirmed to POLITICO.

The news, first reported by Variety, is a gut punch for the network, which had staked a good deal of its reputation and no small amount of money on success in the streaming field. But the viewership after CNN+’s March 29 launch was well below expectations and Warner Bros. Discovery — the corporate parent of the network — decided to quickly pull the plug rather than pour more resources and managerial muscle into turning it around.

Chris Licht, the incoming president of CNN, is slated to talk with CNN+ staffers about the decision at noon on Thursday.

Among other outstanding questions is what to do with programs that have already been recorded and with some of the high-profile talent that were brought on board to helm programming, including Kasie Hunt, Chris Wallace, Audie Cornish and Rex Chapman.

Operations for CNN+ will cease on April 30, the person familiar with the network’s plans told POLITICO.