CNN launched on June 1, 1980. Only now, 45 years later, has CNN become available “over-the-top” and unbundled.
During the 45 years since CNN launched, it has been impossible to watch CNN except as part of a “bundle” provided by a cable or satellite television provider. It has been impossible to pay CNN directly, and instead the only way to watch CNN has been to pay someone else, such as Comcast or DirecTV, who would in turn indirectly pay money to CNN. For the ensuing 45 years it has been impossible to get CNN without also paying for dozens of other channels that you might not want or need.
During the most recent five years, the least expensive “bundle” for watching CNN has been “Sling Blue”. This involves paying money to Sling (which is a division of DirecTV) at $45.99 per month or $551.88 per year. Sling Blue includes CNN in a bundle with 39 other channels that you might not want or need.
Now after 45 years, for the first time, it is possible to watch CNN “over the top” and unbundled. For the first time in 45 years, it is possible to pay money directly to CNN instead of paying indirectly through some other television provider. It is possible to watch CNN directly using CNN’s own app on a Fire TV stick or Roku stick. The price paid directly to CNN is $69.99 per year. (There is a teaser first-year price of $41.99.) There is no need to pay for other channels that you might not want or need.