Tuesday, November 25, 2025 - CNN has quietly withdrawn its content from Apple News, abruptly halting a distribution partnership that had delivered millions of readers to the network’s stories every month. The removal, which took place over the weekend, comes as the cable news network and Apple remain locked in negotiations over a new agreement that would restore CNN’s presence on the platform.
Although the blackout is described as temporary, the move
reflects a tougher stance from CNN as it pushes to increase revenue from its
digital operations. Apple News has become a vital traffic source for
publishers, especially as major social media platforms continue to scale back
their engagement with news content. The app not only drives significant
readership but also generates millions in annual revenue through Apple News+, a
$10 monthly subscription service shared with participating publishers. Major outlets
such as People and Condé Nast have embraced the platform fully, producing
customised content specifically for Apple’s audience.
Still, many media organizations remain cautious about
relying heavily on tech companies for distribution, mindful of past experiences
with platforms like Facebook. During the peak of the “Facebook news era,”
several digital publishers invested heavily in a system that ultimately abandoned
them, leaving businesses scrambling to recover lost audience reach and revenue
CNN’s decision fits into a larger strategic shift. Earlier
this month, the network launched its own paid subscription service and placed
more stories behind a paywall as part of efforts to grow direct-to-consumer
revenue. The company appears confident it can either secure more favourable
terms from Apple or prove that it no longer needs the platform’s traffic to
succeed. With negotiations ongoing, it remains unclear whether Apple or CNN
will be the first to compromise, and how long the standoff will last.
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