1 00:00:08,000 --> 00:00:11,119 Speaker 1: Welcome to another episode of Strictly Business, the podcast in 2 00:00:11,160 --> 00:00:13,240 Speaker 1: which we talked with some of the brightest minds working 3 00:00:13,240 --> 00:00:16,800 Speaker 1: in the media business today. I'm Andrew Wallenstein with Variety. 4 00:00:17,480 --> 00:00:20,520 Speaker 1: This week we're bringing you a special bonus episode featuring 5 00:00:20,520 --> 00:00:24,360 Speaker 1: an exclusive interview with Andrew Morse, chief Digital officer for 6 00:00:24,480 --> 00:00:29,320 Speaker 1: CNN Worldwide. He's overseeing CNN Plus, the long awaited new 7 00:00:29,440 --> 00:00:33,200 Speaker 1: streaming service the news brand plans to launch early next year. 8 00:00:33,800 --> 00:00:37,200 Speaker 1: That's just one of the key details CNN finally revealed today, 9 00:00:37,479 --> 00:00:39,840 Speaker 1: but it leaves a host of questions we'll get into 10 00:00:39,880 --> 00:00:42,600 Speaker 1: with our guest. It's all coming up on this episode 11 00:00:42,680 --> 00:00:53,680 Speaker 1: of Strictly Business. Welcome back to another episode of Strictly Business, 12 00:00:53,720 --> 00:00:57,040 Speaker 1: where we're joined today by Andrew Morse, the lead executive 13 00:00:57,160 --> 00:01:00,840 Speaker 1: overseeing and CNN Plus. Thanks so much for doing the interview, Andrew. 14 00:01:01,960 --> 00:01:05,440 Speaker 1: Thank you, Andrew, and it's it's nice to be here cool. 15 00:01:05,480 --> 00:01:07,520 Speaker 1: So a quick recap for those who haven't heard what 16 00:01:07,560 --> 00:01:10,800 Speaker 1: your company announced today. CNN Plus is a video streaming 17 00:01:10,840 --> 00:01:13,679 Speaker 1: service that will launch in the first quarter of two. 18 00:01:14,200 --> 00:01:17,840 Speaker 1: Subscribers can expect eight to twelve hours of live content 19 00:01:18,000 --> 00:01:21,000 Speaker 1: each day, featuring well known CNN talent as well as 20 00:01:21,000 --> 00:01:24,600 Speaker 1: some new names. Catalog of CNN long form programming will 21 00:01:24,600 --> 00:01:29,040 Speaker 1: be offered as well. This is obviously a huge undertaking, Andrew. So, 22 00:01:29,319 --> 00:01:30,800 Speaker 1: I mean, is it safe to say this is like 23 00:01:30,880 --> 00:01:34,160 Speaker 1: the biggest launch coming out of CNN since the rollout 24 00:01:34,319 --> 00:01:39,240 Speaker 1: of the CNN website, which you oversee as well. I 25 00:01:39,280 --> 00:01:42,080 Speaker 1: think it's bigger than that. I think that this is 26 00:01:42,160 --> 00:01:45,600 Speaker 1: the single biggest launch that CNN has had since Ted 27 00:01:45,680 --> 00:01:49,559 Speaker 1: Turner launch the network in June of Um. This stakes 28 00:01:49,560 --> 00:01:52,120 Speaker 1: are that high for us, The opportunity is that big, 29 00:01:52,200 --> 00:01:55,920 Speaker 1: and we are that enthusiastic about this. And I would 30 00:01:55,960 --> 00:01:59,040 Speaker 1: imagine the cost has got to be considerable here. Here 31 00:01:59,160 --> 00:02:04,040 Speaker 1: you're gonna adding what hundreds of employees to support this, 32 00:02:04,520 --> 00:02:07,320 Speaker 1: So you know, from a cost perspective, is this bigger 33 00:02:07,320 --> 00:02:12,639 Speaker 1: than anything you've you've spent on? Yeah? I think that's important. 34 00:02:12,680 --> 00:02:15,880 Speaker 1: I mean, the magnitude of this is really significant. And again, 35 00:02:15,880 --> 00:02:17,960 Speaker 1: if you think about it, I mean the question that 36 00:02:18,040 --> 00:02:20,320 Speaker 1: you just asked was a great one. You know, CNN 37 00:02:20,960 --> 00:02:25,440 Speaker 1: pioneered cable news in eight We really redefined or defined 38 00:02:25,480 --> 00:02:27,680 Speaker 1: what digital news would look like when we launched CNN 39 00:02:27,720 --> 00:02:33,640 Speaker 1: dot Com and those were both really significant launches um 40 00:02:33,720 --> 00:02:36,680 Speaker 1: in order for us to make this next evolution. In 41 00:02:36,840 --> 00:02:39,800 Speaker 1: order for us to take this next step, we we 42 00:02:39,919 --> 00:02:42,679 Speaker 1: can't take a half measure. We have to go all in. 43 00:02:42,760 --> 00:02:45,480 Speaker 1: And this is a very substantial bet for us. So 44 00:02:45,560 --> 00:02:48,120 Speaker 1: the investment that the company is making will be commensurate 45 00:02:48,200 --> 00:02:51,320 Speaker 1: to the to the size of our ambition. A few 46 00:02:51,400 --> 00:02:55,079 Speaker 1: key facts that we're missing from the announcement today, I 47 00:02:55,080 --> 00:02:57,160 Speaker 1: obviously need to ask you about right off the bat, 48 00:02:57,720 --> 00:03:01,160 Speaker 1: first being price. Uh have you guys come up with 49 00:03:01,200 --> 00:03:06,240 Speaker 1: a price point yet? And is this an AD supported service? UM? 50 00:03:06,280 --> 00:03:08,639 Speaker 1: So it's not going to be AD supported um UM 51 00:03:08,960 --> 00:03:12,560 Speaker 1: to start UM, we are launching this as a as 52 00:03:12,600 --> 00:03:16,000 Speaker 1: a paid as FOD service. It won't be a vod 53 00:03:16,600 --> 00:03:20,160 Speaker 1: UM in terms of price point. That is something that 54 00:03:20,200 --> 00:03:22,639 Speaker 1: we are discussing quite a bit. We're doing quite a 55 00:03:22,680 --> 00:03:25,440 Speaker 1: substantial amount of research and as we continue to refine 56 00:03:26,160 --> 00:03:28,120 Speaker 1: the product and the go to market strategy over the 57 00:03:28,160 --> 00:03:30,600 Speaker 1: course of the next few months. Uh, we will come 58 00:03:30,680 --> 00:03:32,640 Speaker 1: up with the right price point. And is there a 59 00:03:32,680 --> 00:03:35,000 Speaker 1: reason And it sounds like you know, it's possible in 60 00:03:35,040 --> 00:03:38,720 Speaker 1: the future you could add an AD supported component, but 61 00:03:38,920 --> 00:03:42,240 Speaker 1: why not at the launch? You know, the first thing 62 00:03:42,280 --> 00:03:44,720 Speaker 1: that we're focused on now is getting the product right 63 00:03:44,800 --> 00:03:47,200 Speaker 1: for customers. You know, it's important to note that CNN 64 00:03:47,240 --> 00:03:50,000 Speaker 1: Plus is going to be a standalone, direct to consumer 65 00:03:50,200 --> 00:03:54,400 Speaker 1: paid subscription service, and so really what we're trying to 66 00:03:54,440 --> 00:03:57,760 Speaker 1: do is unique. There isn't a service like this that 67 00:03:57,840 --> 00:04:01,440 Speaker 1: currently exists in the marketplace. And the difference with paid 68 00:04:01,480 --> 00:04:06,360 Speaker 1: subscription services compared to add supported services UM or or 69 00:04:06,440 --> 00:04:10,520 Speaker 1: most traditional media sources is that UM the customer really 70 00:04:10,560 --> 00:04:13,720 Speaker 1: dictates UH to a certain degree, what the product is. 71 00:04:14,000 --> 00:04:16,480 Speaker 1: And so for us, the first and most important thing 72 00:04:16,520 --> 00:04:18,880 Speaker 1: is to build a product that customers will love, to 73 00:04:18,960 --> 00:04:22,359 Speaker 1: make sure that the content is extraordinary. And then once 74 00:04:22,400 --> 00:04:25,039 Speaker 1: we get the product up and launched and in customers hands, 75 00:04:25,240 --> 00:04:28,560 Speaker 1: we think that that having an advertising component UM will 76 00:04:28,600 --> 00:04:31,200 Speaker 1: be an important part of the product as we go forward. 77 00:04:31,880 --> 00:04:35,760 Speaker 1: Another key question, are you launching just in the US 78 00:04:35,920 --> 00:04:39,400 Speaker 1: or is this a global product? It is a global product, 79 00:04:39,440 --> 00:04:41,680 Speaker 1: and in fact, that's one of the real advantages that 80 00:04:41,720 --> 00:04:45,559 Speaker 1: we have. You know, if you look at CNN, UH, 81 00:04:45,839 --> 00:04:49,080 Speaker 1: you look at the advantages that we have, we're really 82 00:04:49,080 --> 00:04:52,359 Speaker 1: one of the world's only global news brands. I mean, really, 83 00:04:52,400 --> 00:04:55,880 Speaker 1: outside of the BBC and CNN, you'd be hard pressed 84 00:04:55,920 --> 00:04:58,280 Speaker 1: to to identify a real global news brand with a 85 00:04:58,360 --> 00:05:00,920 Speaker 1: kind of reach and resources that we have. And so 86 00:05:01,320 --> 00:05:04,240 Speaker 1: as we've looked at the market opportunity and we've looked at, 87 00:05:04,839 --> 00:05:09,320 Speaker 1: um really who this product can reach and how big 88 00:05:09,360 --> 00:05:10,880 Speaker 1: it might be able to be. We think one of 89 00:05:11,120 --> 00:05:14,719 Speaker 1: the distinct advantages is for Recipe Global that said at launch, 90 00:05:14,920 --> 00:05:17,440 Speaker 1: it's going to launch in the US first, We're gonna 91 00:05:17,480 --> 00:05:19,680 Speaker 1: get that market right, and then we will roll out 92 00:05:19,720 --> 00:05:24,479 Speaker 1: internationally as we go. Got it. Um, You haven't revealed 93 00:05:24,560 --> 00:05:27,599 Speaker 1: much yet about specific content, so, and I know there's 94 00:05:27,600 --> 00:05:31,440 Speaker 1: a limit to what you could say, but a simple question, 95 00:05:31,880 --> 00:05:36,359 Speaker 1: is this a twenty four hour news network? Uh? You know? 96 00:05:36,440 --> 00:05:41,280 Speaker 1: Do I do I need CNN if I have CNN Plus? Well, 97 00:05:41,440 --> 00:05:43,360 Speaker 1: to answer your first question, is it a twenty for 98 00:05:43,440 --> 00:05:46,000 Speaker 1: our news network? No? And the reason why is we 99 00:05:46,120 --> 00:05:49,839 Speaker 1: have one and it's called CNN. And that's really important 100 00:05:49,880 --> 00:05:54,320 Speaker 1: here is we have an incredibly successful, uh linear business. 101 00:05:54,400 --> 00:05:57,960 Speaker 1: The CNN television network is stronger than it's ever been. 102 00:05:58,480 --> 00:06:00,799 Speaker 1: It's coming off the best year in act in its history. 103 00:06:00,839 --> 00:06:03,160 Speaker 1: And by the same token, we have the world's number 104 00:06:03,200 --> 00:06:05,720 Speaker 1: one out supported digital news service and that's as strong 105 00:06:05,760 --> 00:06:09,520 Speaker 1: as it's ever been. CNN Plus is a totally separate, distinct, 106 00:06:09,680 --> 00:06:14,440 Speaker 1: additive service and the content that we're creating UM will 107 00:06:14,480 --> 00:06:16,719 Speaker 1: be unique and distinct from what you get on the 108 00:06:16,760 --> 00:06:20,680 Speaker 1: US network. So that's really important. The the CNN television 109 00:06:20,680 --> 00:06:23,359 Speaker 1: network will remain the CNN television network, and none of 110 00:06:23,400 --> 00:06:27,480 Speaker 1: the core programming that that viewers CNR our television network, 111 00:06:27,560 --> 00:06:30,920 Speaker 1: will be available on CNN Plus. We're gonna We're gonna 112 00:06:30,960 --> 00:06:34,000 Speaker 1: continue to invest in our television network. The kind of 113 00:06:34,040 --> 00:06:39,240 Speaker 1: content that you'll see UM will be surprising, distinct, original, 114 00:06:39,600 --> 00:06:42,839 Speaker 1: and provide provide users with a with a really different 115 00:06:42,880 --> 00:06:46,279 Speaker 1: experience than what they currently get from our our television 116 00:06:46,320 --> 00:06:51,160 Speaker 1: and digital properties. To me, the quintessential CNN is getting 117 00:06:51,200 --> 00:06:54,560 Speaker 1: to the scene of a huge breaking story like like 118 00:06:54,600 --> 00:06:58,680 Speaker 1: say the tragedy and at surfside in Miami. Would we 119 00:06:58,720 --> 00:07:03,320 Speaker 1: see CNN plus function and anything like that. Yes, and no, 120 00:07:03,760 --> 00:07:06,080 Speaker 1: and and it's really important. And it's why cnmplus is 121 00:07:06,120 --> 00:07:10,400 Speaker 1: so important because UM, again, there is nothing like CNN 122 00:07:10,720 --> 00:07:13,040 Speaker 1: in terms of our global reach, the way we respond 123 00:07:13,120 --> 00:07:15,520 Speaker 1: to stories, the way we deploy resources, and the way 124 00:07:15,520 --> 00:07:19,160 Speaker 1: we promise our users immediate up to date news and information. 125 00:07:19,280 --> 00:07:22,320 Speaker 1: And that's what CNM will continue to do in CNN Plus. 126 00:07:22,360 --> 00:07:25,800 Speaker 1: It will still be really important to provide viewers of 127 00:07:25,880 --> 00:07:28,520 Speaker 1: front row seat to what's happening, both the important and 128 00:07:28,560 --> 00:07:31,360 Speaker 1: the interesting. Um. But we have to do it in 129 00:07:31,400 --> 00:07:34,120 Speaker 1: different ways. I think it gives us an opportunity to 130 00:07:34,280 --> 00:07:38,000 Speaker 1: be more contextual, to spend more time with individual stories, 131 00:07:38,040 --> 00:07:41,720 Speaker 1: to go deeper, to provide different angles, also provide different programming. 132 00:07:41,800 --> 00:07:44,800 Speaker 1: So around the news, I think you'll provide you'll you'll 133 00:07:45,040 --> 00:07:47,840 Speaker 1: you'll see a really distinct experience from what you'll get 134 00:07:48,320 --> 00:07:50,400 Speaker 1: on the on the network. But it's also important to 135 00:07:50,440 --> 00:07:54,000 Speaker 1: note that like we are not attempting to create a 136 00:07:54,040 --> 00:07:56,880 Speaker 1: twenty four seven news wheel, that's not what CNN Plus 137 00:07:57,000 --> 00:07:59,440 Speaker 1: is going to be. The live programming will have a 138 00:07:59,480 --> 00:08:04,320 Speaker 1: distinct personality beyond demand programming. Um again, well, well will 139 00:08:04,760 --> 00:08:08,280 Speaker 1: serve a very different need and uh, this service will 140 00:08:08,280 --> 00:08:10,240 Speaker 1: be quite different from what we do on the air. 141 00:08:10,760 --> 00:08:14,200 Speaker 1: But will it's mere existence changed the complexion of what 142 00:08:14,280 --> 00:08:20,280 Speaker 1: we understand CNN itself to be on TV? Because you know, 143 00:08:20,520 --> 00:08:22,480 Speaker 1: I wonder you know again, let's go to my surf 144 00:08:22,520 --> 00:08:26,480 Speaker 1: side example. Maybe instead of going you know, six hours 145 00:08:26,560 --> 00:08:31,480 Speaker 1: straight on the CNN airwaves on our five you're gonna say, 146 00:08:31,480 --> 00:08:33,040 Speaker 1: you know what, we're going over to a different story, 147 00:08:33,080 --> 00:08:35,960 Speaker 1: but if you want to continue the surf side experience, 148 00:08:36,000 --> 00:08:39,280 Speaker 1: go to CNN Plus. Well, that kind of relationship of 149 00:08:39,320 --> 00:08:43,079 Speaker 1: the network throwing to the streaming service happen. And yes, 150 00:08:43,160 --> 00:08:47,280 Speaker 1: does it change CNN as we know it, No, it will. 151 00:08:47,480 --> 00:08:49,440 Speaker 1: It won't change CNN as we know it. In fact, 152 00:08:49,520 --> 00:08:52,400 Speaker 1: I think CNN Plus allows CNN to continue to be 153 00:08:52,559 --> 00:08:55,200 Speaker 1: CNN and to do with CNN does really well. I 154 00:08:55,240 --> 00:08:57,680 Speaker 1: do think that this service will be complementary, and I 155 00:08:57,720 --> 00:09:00,080 Speaker 1: do think there will be opportunities to push between the 156 00:09:00,160 --> 00:09:03,760 Speaker 1: services for for more context and for more analysis, and 157 00:09:03,840 --> 00:09:08,840 Speaker 1: for different kinds of programming. For complementary programming. UM, I 158 00:09:08,880 --> 00:09:11,280 Speaker 1: think CNN will continue to do what it does best, 159 00:09:11,280 --> 00:09:13,439 Speaker 1: which is to cover the most important stories of the day, 160 00:09:13,520 --> 00:09:16,559 Speaker 1: the most interesting stories of the day, to be topical, 161 00:09:16,600 --> 00:09:19,319 Speaker 1: to be on the news, to be urgent. Uh. And again, 162 00:09:19,400 --> 00:09:21,920 Speaker 1: CNN Plus will have a bit of a different personality 163 00:09:22,240 --> 00:09:26,240 Speaker 1: CNN Plus will UH have. U will give us the 164 00:09:26,240 --> 00:09:29,480 Speaker 1: opportunity to explore different topics that we don't always have 165 00:09:29,520 --> 00:09:33,480 Speaker 1: a chance to cover on on the US network, really 166 00:09:33,559 --> 00:09:37,120 Speaker 1: in in greater depth. UM. We certainly do cover topics 167 00:09:37,120 --> 00:09:40,240 Speaker 1: like climate, like space, and science certainly like race and identity. 168 00:09:40,600 --> 00:09:43,400 Speaker 1: But the ability to spend much more time when you're 169 00:09:43,440 --> 00:09:46,760 Speaker 1: not having to deal just to the linear schedule gives 170 00:09:46,800 --> 00:09:49,480 Speaker 1: us the opportunity to explore those topics much more deeply. 171 00:09:49,880 --> 00:09:53,240 Speaker 1: And also when you think about the daily programming we're 172 00:09:53,240 --> 00:09:55,640 Speaker 1: going to do, we think there's an opportunity to go 173 00:09:55,720 --> 00:09:58,560 Speaker 1: more in depth, to become more analytical. But but I 174 00:09:58,600 --> 00:10:00,800 Speaker 1: think again it's it's also really important to note that 175 00:10:01,840 --> 00:10:05,320 Speaker 1: what we are conceiving of a service that leans into 176 00:10:05,400 --> 00:10:07,640 Speaker 1: the very best of what our DNA is, you're also 177 00:10:07,679 --> 00:10:10,360 Speaker 1: going to see things that surprise you. You're gonna see 178 00:10:10,360 --> 00:10:13,360 Speaker 1: things across topics and across different formats, and you're gonna 179 00:10:13,360 --> 00:10:16,840 Speaker 1: see different kinds of talent and personalities that you you 180 00:10:16,840 --> 00:10:19,559 Speaker 1: simply wouldn't see on the US network that we think 181 00:10:19,600 --> 00:10:22,480 Speaker 1: there's a real audience for in CNN Plus. So you've 182 00:10:22,559 --> 00:10:26,000 Speaker 1: characterized CNN plus is having a different personality. Can you 183 00:10:26,360 --> 00:10:30,200 Speaker 1: define it beyond saying it's surprising? Is it is it 184 00:10:30,240 --> 00:10:34,520 Speaker 1: more irreverent? Is it less traditional? Is it is it 185 00:10:34,600 --> 00:10:37,520 Speaker 1: more ideological? I have to ask is it going to 186 00:10:37,600 --> 00:10:40,000 Speaker 1: be something that you know well, you guys are known 187 00:10:40,000 --> 00:10:42,079 Speaker 1: as the liberal network. And if you really want to 188 00:10:42,120 --> 00:10:46,080 Speaker 1: go deep lib here CNN Plus. Well, I don't think 189 00:10:46,120 --> 00:10:48,800 Speaker 1: anybody who is looking for deep lib would would seek 190 00:10:48,800 --> 00:10:51,400 Speaker 1: out CNN. It's just not what we do. But no, 191 00:10:51,559 --> 00:10:53,640 Speaker 1: it's not gonna be ideological. We're We're just not in 192 00:10:53,679 --> 00:10:56,080 Speaker 1: that game. You know, We're we're not an opinion network. 193 00:10:56,120 --> 00:10:58,560 Speaker 1: We're a news network. We're a news brand, So it 194 00:10:58,640 --> 00:11:01,920 Speaker 1: will have news DNA for sure. You know, We're not 195 00:11:01,960 --> 00:11:04,000 Speaker 1: going to try to be reverend for being you know, 196 00:11:04,040 --> 00:11:05,800 Speaker 1: for a reverend sake, because I don't think that's what 197 00:11:05,880 --> 00:11:08,760 Speaker 1: audiences want. I think people turn to t N CNN 198 00:11:09,200 --> 00:11:13,360 Speaker 1: for trust and for credibility, for authenticity. UM. I say, 199 00:11:13,400 --> 00:11:16,240 Speaker 1: the personality we describe as smart and entertaining, and the 200 00:11:16,280 --> 00:11:19,360 Speaker 1: two are not mutually exclusive. I think we can provide 201 00:11:19,400 --> 00:11:24,439 Speaker 1: a level of depth and intelligence and context and perspective 202 00:11:25,000 --> 00:11:27,920 Speaker 1: that you would associate with CNN, and we can also 203 00:11:28,520 --> 00:11:30,560 Speaker 1: we can also be entertaining. And I think there is 204 00:11:30,679 --> 00:11:34,880 Speaker 1: room as you consider, um what CNN plus is, for 205 00:11:34,960 --> 00:11:38,040 Speaker 1: us to be a little bit more expansive. Um. You know, 206 00:11:38,120 --> 00:11:40,160 Speaker 1: as we think about you know, what is smart and 207 00:11:40,200 --> 00:11:45,200 Speaker 1: what is entertaining? Well, does entertaining mean entertainment. Can I 208 00:11:45,280 --> 00:11:48,959 Speaker 1: see a scripted comedy, Can I see a daily show 209 00:11:49,040 --> 00:11:53,160 Speaker 1: type humor about the news? Again, I think you will 210 00:11:53,160 --> 00:11:56,040 Speaker 1: see formats and topics, definitely the push the boundaries a 211 00:11:56,120 --> 00:11:58,800 Speaker 1: little bit and and and I think that's okay. I 212 00:11:58,840 --> 00:12:01,800 Speaker 1: think that's what audiences. But I would also describe a 213 00:12:01,880 --> 00:12:04,320 Speaker 1: lot of the programming that our original films and series 214 00:12:04,360 --> 00:12:06,719 Speaker 1: groups have been doing for the last seven or eight 215 00:12:06,760 --> 00:12:10,439 Speaker 1: years as entertaining. I would say Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown 216 00:12:10,520 --> 00:12:14,120 Speaker 1: was entertaining. I think this Stanley Tucci searching for Italy 217 00:12:14,200 --> 00:12:16,680 Speaker 1: show is entertaining. And I think, you know, again, when 218 00:12:16,720 --> 00:12:19,040 Speaker 1: you think about what audiences want and why they turn 219 00:12:19,120 --> 00:12:23,800 Speaker 1: to CNN, UM, there's a host of really high quality, 220 00:12:24,559 --> 00:12:28,679 Speaker 1: UM original nonfiction storytelling that can be really entertaining as 221 00:12:28,720 --> 00:12:30,800 Speaker 1: well as you know, some of the provocative notions that 222 00:12:30,840 --> 00:12:34,120 Speaker 1: you just reference. I think we're gonna have to try things. 223 00:12:34,160 --> 00:12:37,360 Speaker 1: We can't be afraid to take some chances on this platform. Yeah, 224 00:12:38,160 --> 00:12:41,240 Speaker 1: um from you know, what has been reported is is 225 00:12:41,280 --> 00:12:44,360 Speaker 1: that you know, CNN has turned to a lot of 226 00:12:44,400 --> 00:12:47,800 Speaker 1: its key talent to get their buy in, and I 227 00:12:47,800 --> 00:12:51,440 Speaker 1: guess have shows on CNN plus you see Anderson Cooper 228 00:12:51,520 --> 00:12:53,760 Speaker 1: on TV and maybe you get to see him in 229 00:12:53,800 --> 00:12:56,880 Speaker 1: his own show on CNN plus. What is the process 230 00:12:56,880 --> 00:13:00,800 Speaker 1: been in terms of convincing talent to do this as 231 00:13:00,800 --> 00:13:07,120 Speaker 1: it required a lot of contractual rearranging. Uh? Yeah, Like 232 00:13:07,320 --> 00:13:12,839 Speaker 1: there is wild enthusiasm for this across CNN um um. 233 00:13:12,880 --> 00:13:16,040 Speaker 1: You know, as we have begun to to ramp up 234 00:13:16,040 --> 00:13:19,440 Speaker 1: our plans and as we've had more conversations really across 235 00:13:19,440 --> 00:13:22,559 Speaker 1: the n N from our talent, uh, to our producers, 236 00:13:22,920 --> 00:13:25,840 Speaker 1: to our engineers and developers, to product managers, there is 237 00:13:25,920 --> 00:13:29,360 Speaker 1: real enthusiasm for this product. And I think again you 238 00:13:29,400 --> 00:13:33,160 Speaker 1: can expect the service to include you know, original programming, 239 00:13:33,240 --> 00:13:35,720 Speaker 1: not not what you see from them on the US network, 240 00:13:35,760 --> 00:13:38,920 Speaker 1: but from from Anderson Cooper, from Don Lemon or Jake 241 00:13:38,960 --> 00:13:42,480 Speaker 1: Tapper or Poppy Harlow, you know, from Van Jones. You know, 242 00:13:42,520 --> 00:13:45,000 Speaker 1: I think I think you will see a different side 243 00:13:45,000 --> 00:13:47,560 Speaker 1: of them. I think you will see a connection that 244 00:13:47,559 --> 00:13:50,600 Speaker 1: that these folks have with their fans, um who have 245 00:13:50,679 --> 00:13:55,559 Speaker 1: turned to them, you know, for their authenticity, for their authority, 246 00:13:55,679 --> 00:13:57,679 Speaker 1: and also because they're real human beings. You know, if 247 00:13:57,679 --> 00:14:00,480 Speaker 1: you think about the connection that our audiences of forged 248 00:14:00,520 --> 00:14:04,280 Speaker 1: asanga Gupta for example, over the course of the last year, UM, 249 00:14:04,320 --> 00:14:07,320 Speaker 1: as we've lived through this global pandemic, UM people have 250 00:14:07,440 --> 00:14:09,400 Speaker 1: really come to know our talent and as a result, 251 00:14:09,559 --> 00:14:11,920 Speaker 1: our talent are really excited about this, and so we 252 00:14:11,960 --> 00:14:14,760 Speaker 1: think CNN Plus creates a great opportunity. I should say 253 00:14:14,800 --> 00:14:17,840 Speaker 1: also though, like as I mentioned, the enthusiasm cuts across 254 00:14:17,960 --> 00:14:22,640 Speaker 1: the whole company UM and that's important to note too, 255 00:14:22,680 --> 00:14:25,640 Speaker 1: because we're having to really um you know, build the 256 00:14:25,640 --> 00:14:27,960 Speaker 1: proverbial engine of the cars. We're driving it. And so 257 00:14:28,080 --> 00:14:30,360 Speaker 1: we're in the process of hiring about four hundred and 258 00:14:30,400 --> 00:14:34,120 Speaker 1: fifty people UM for CNN plus over the next six 259 00:14:34,160 --> 00:14:37,440 Speaker 1: to nine months. I mean, it is a massive undertaking, 260 00:14:37,480 --> 00:14:42,120 Speaker 1: and that's across every discipline. So about half those roles 261 00:14:42,280 --> 00:14:44,800 Speaker 1: are in the content spaces, you know, the production teams, 262 00:14:45,040 --> 00:14:48,320 Speaker 1: and about half are in the engineering and product and 263 00:14:48,360 --> 00:14:51,360 Speaker 1: technology and analytics and growth departments. I mean, this is 264 00:14:51,400 --> 00:14:54,160 Speaker 1: a it's a big undertaking, and so our current employees 265 00:14:54,160 --> 00:14:56,560 Speaker 1: are really excited and we're trying to build an all 266 00:14:56,600 --> 00:15:00,240 Speaker 1: star team as we go. So is this a team 267 00:15:00,280 --> 00:15:03,920 Speaker 1: of four hundred and fifty or however many going to 268 00:15:03,960 --> 00:15:09,640 Speaker 1: exist completely separately from CNN operations or is there some integration. 269 00:15:09,760 --> 00:15:12,600 Speaker 1: Have you guys thought that through? Well, there there are 270 00:15:12,600 --> 00:15:14,440 Speaker 1: two things. I mean, one is it is going to 271 00:15:14,560 --> 00:15:17,520 Speaker 1: need its own staff. You can't build a product of 272 00:15:17,560 --> 00:15:20,240 Speaker 1: this size with the kind of expectations that we have 273 00:15:20,720 --> 00:15:22,600 Speaker 1: and not staff it properly. So it is going to 274 00:15:22,680 --> 00:15:26,200 Speaker 1: have its own separate leadership team. We hired Alex McCallum 275 00:15:26,280 --> 00:15:28,880 Speaker 1: recently from The New York Times to be the general 276 00:15:28,920 --> 00:15:31,280 Speaker 1: manager of CNN Plus. She's our head of product and 277 00:15:32,360 --> 00:15:37,120 Speaker 1: she helped the Times build their successful subscription businesses. We've 278 00:15:37,160 --> 00:15:40,760 Speaker 1: brought on Rebecca Cutler, who has had just about every 279 00:15:40,840 --> 00:15:43,560 Speaker 1: job throughout our CNN programming for a while, to lead 280 00:15:43,560 --> 00:15:47,440 Speaker 1: our programming and production UM. But we're also and and 281 00:15:47,480 --> 00:15:50,200 Speaker 1: so they're building independent staffs. But we're also getting help 282 00:15:50,280 --> 00:15:53,120 Speaker 1: from all over the organizations. So the Original Series and 283 00:15:53,200 --> 00:15:56,880 Speaker 1: Films group that's produced The Bourdain's and the Two Geese 284 00:15:56,960 --> 00:15:59,960 Speaker 1: and films like RBG, they're leaning in and their help 285 00:16:00,040 --> 00:16:03,040 Speaker 1: being developed scores of new series for us. So we're 286 00:16:03,080 --> 00:16:06,360 Speaker 1: building out that department as well. So yes, it will 287 00:16:06,400 --> 00:16:09,760 Speaker 1: have a separate and discrete staff. But this is such 288 00:16:09,800 --> 00:16:12,800 Speaker 1: an important effort um, so that you know, again the 289 00:16:12,840 --> 00:16:14,920 Speaker 1: films in series group led by Amy and tell Us 290 00:16:14,960 --> 00:16:17,840 Speaker 1: will be a big part of it, and every part 291 00:16:17,960 --> 00:16:22,360 Speaker 1: of CNN frankly, from HR to legal, to finance, to 292 00:16:22,480 --> 00:16:26,080 Speaker 1: our TV teams to our core digital teams. UM. For 293 00:16:26,120 --> 00:16:29,160 Speaker 1: this to be successful, UM, we've got to have the 294 00:16:29,160 --> 00:16:32,040 Speaker 1: support from everybody in the organization. And the good news 295 00:16:32,080 --> 00:16:35,880 Speaker 1: is everybody's really enthusiastic about it. I'm also curious about 296 00:16:35,880 --> 00:16:39,280 Speaker 1: the enthusiasm at the A T and T level or 297 00:16:39,320 --> 00:16:43,720 Speaker 1: really the the the level of involvement. UM. For instance, 298 00:16:43,800 --> 00:16:48,520 Speaker 1: Jason Kyler, CEO Warner Media, has he been involved in 299 00:16:48,560 --> 00:16:53,120 Speaker 1: this process? How how into this is a T and T? Well, 300 00:16:53,280 --> 00:16:54,760 Speaker 1: there are a couple of things to stand that. I mean, 301 00:16:54,840 --> 00:16:57,400 Speaker 1: we've been on this journey for a while now. So 302 00:16:57,480 --> 00:17:01,320 Speaker 1: for the last few years, UH, CNN has been putting 303 00:17:01,360 --> 00:17:03,760 Speaker 1: the pieces together and laying the groundwork for a director 304 00:17:03,800 --> 00:17:07,119 Speaker 1: consumer future. And Jeff Zooker, you know, the president of 305 00:17:07,160 --> 00:17:10,080 Speaker 1: CNN Worldwide and chairman of Warner Media News and Sports. 306 00:17:10,160 --> 00:17:13,359 Speaker 1: Jeff has been UM as as as much of a 307 00:17:13,359 --> 00:17:17,720 Speaker 1: proponent of of this journey as anyone, and as Jason 308 00:17:17,760 --> 00:17:20,639 Speaker 1: came into the company about a year ago. UM, given 309 00:17:20,680 --> 00:17:23,200 Speaker 1: his background, UM, given the work he did at Hulu 310 00:17:23,640 --> 00:17:26,840 Speaker 1: given his mandate for for pushing Warner Media boldly into 311 00:17:26,880 --> 00:17:30,439 Speaker 1: a director consumer future. Jason has been incredibly supportive of 312 00:17:30,480 --> 00:17:33,040 Speaker 1: the path that we're on, and it's been a real 313 00:17:33,280 --> 00:17:35,320 Speaker 1: team effort up and down the line. And you mentioned 314 00:17:35,320 --> 00:17:37,760 Speaker 1: A T and T. They are really vested in the 315 00:17:37,800 --> 00:17:40,480 Speaker 1: success of this, uh, this product as well. In fact, 316 00:17:40,560 --> 00:17:44,600 Speaker 1: John Stanky made comments fairly recently talking about how enthusiastic 317 00:17:45,000 --> 00:17:47,560 Speaker 1: he was to John's of course, the the A T 318 00:17:47,640 --> 00:17:51,040 Speaker 1: and T CEO. Um. So it has been a great 319 00:17:51,080 --> 00:17:54,479 Speaker 1: partnership and there is real support for CNN plus up 320 00:17:54,480 --> 00:17:57,159 Speaker 1: and down the line. But that begs a few questions, 321 00:17:57,280 --> 00:18:02,720 Speaker 1: the first being why you could argue, and maybe you'll 322 00:18:02,800 --> 00:18:08,200 Speaker 1: argue against me, that CNN didn't necessarily need to launch 323 00:18:08,560 --> 00:18:12,639 Speaker 1: its own branded, standalone thing. It could have been embedded 324 00:18:12,720 --> 00:18:15,600 Speaker 1: in HBO Max, it could have been a tab of 325 00:18:15,640 --> 00:18:21,160 Speaker 1: some sort. Uh, why not consolidate efforts? So what walk 326 00:18:21,240 --> 00:18:23,720 Speaker 1: me through the rationale of not doing that? Was it 327 00:18:23,760 --> 00:18:28,439 Speaker 1: even discussed? Well? Sure, I mean it makes sense as 328 00:18:28,440 --> 00:18:33,760 Speaker 1: a consideration when you have a brand like CNN that 329 00:18:33,960 --> 00:18:36,440 Speaker 1: is truly distinct and unique, and again you think about 330 00:18:36,480 --> 00:18:40,480 Speaker 1: the opportunities, there isn't another news organization on the planet 331 00:18:40,600 --> 00:18:43,360 Speaker 1: that could pull off what we're trying to pull off 332 00:18:43,400 --> 00:18:45,520 Speaker 1: if you practically look at the advantages that we have 333 00:18:45,600 --> 00:18:49,520 Speaker 1: were global. We reached two million people across digital and 334 00:18:49,560 --> 00:18:53,480 Speaker 1: linear platforms every month UM. We have a rich history 335 00:18:53,480 --> 00:18:57,480 Speaker 1: and tradition and video. We have a rich archive and 336 00:18:57,600 --> 00:19:00,560 Speaker 1: library of nonfiction content, and we have the product and 337 00:19:00,560 --> 00:19:03,040 Speaker 1: technology chops to be able to build a world class 338 00:19:03,080 --> 00:19:07,200 Speaker 1: platform and and and there isn't another organization that can 339 00:19:07,240 --> 00:19:10,280 Speaker 1: do that. And so I think the way we're looking 340 00:19:10,320 --> 00:19:14,080 Speaker 1: at it is we have a tremendous entertainment subscription service 341 00:19:14,080 --> 00:19:17,760 Speaker 1: in HBO max UM that is growing and thriving, and 342 00:19:17,800 --> 00:19:21,639 Speaker 1: that is drawing new customers every day, and that allows 343 00:19:21,760 --> 00:19:24,280 Speaker 1: HBO max to do what it does best and to 344 00:19:24,400 --> 00:19:27,840 Speaker 1: reach their customers with a very clear value proposition. And 345 00:19:27,880 --> 00:19:32,560 Speaker 1: of alongside that, the company can also have an unparalleled 346 00:19:32,600 --> 00:19:36,200 Speaker 1: global news and information service. You've got a really powerful 347 00:19:37,640 --> 00:19:40,719 Speaker 1: set of products that the company can roll out. If 348 00:19:40,760 --> 00:19:43,320 Speaker 1: we were a different news organization, you might go a 349 00:19:43,359 --> 00:19:47,560 Speaker 1: different path because you know, other news organizations frankly just 350 00:19:47,600 --> 00:19:50,680 Speaker 1: don't have the resources that we do that you need 351 00:19:50,760 --> 00:19:56,920 Speaker 1: to be able to build a standalone subscription service if 352 00:19:56,920 --> 00:20:00,119 Speaker 1: you're just joining us. We're talking with Andrew Morse. He 353 00:20:00,240 --> 00:20:03,680 Speaker 1: is the chief Digital officer of CNN Worldwide, and we'll 354 00:20:03,720 --> 00:20:13,240 Speaker 1: be back with him in a minute. We're back with 355 00:20:13,320 --> 00:20:16,680 Speaker 1: Andrew Morrise, the chief Digital officer of CNN Worldwide, who's 356 00:20:16,720 --> 00:20:20,520 Speaker 1: tight taking us through CNN Plus. I mean, another thing 357 00:20:20,560 --> 00:20:24,160 Speaker 1: I was wondering about is, of course, there's this pending 358 00:20:24,240 --> 00:20:28,879 Speaker 1: merger next year between A T and T and Discovery. UH. 359 00:20:29,119 --> 00:20:32,680 Speaker 1: You could argue that there's overlap between Discoveries prowess and 360 00:20:32,840 --> 00:20:36,359 Speaker 1: unscripted content and a lot of the your catalog, which 361 00:20:36,400 --> 00:20:40,520 Speaker 1: is long form unscripted. So is that a consideration in 362 00:20:40,560 --> 00:20:44,040 Speaker 1: this in terms of you're launching before that merger is 363 00:20:44,080 --> 00:20:46,359 Speaker 1: going to happen, But in the event that it does, 364 00:20:46,440 --> 00:20:50,000 Speaker 1: I would imagine the existence of Discovery could really change things. 365 00:20:51,480 --> 00:20:54,320 Speaker 1: You know. I can't really comment on on that at all. 366 00:20:54,440 --> 00:20:56,439 Speaker 1: What I can say is we're on the track that 367 00:20:56,480 --> 00:20:59,320 Speaker 1: we're on and we're building this service, um, you know, 368 00:20:59,359 --> 00:21:01,240 Speaker 1: and we'll have to wait and see, you know, what 369 00:21:01,400 --> 00:21:04,120 Speaker 1: happens with the merger. But right now we're just focused 370 00:21:04,119 --> 00:21:07,200 Speaker 1: on building the platform, UH and working with Warner Media 371 00:21:07,200 --> 00:21:09,560 Speaker 1: and A T and T to do that. You know, 372 00:21:09,600 --> 00:21:13,080 Speaker 1: you referenced that what you're launching has been in the 373 00:21:13,080 --> 00:21:15,560 Speaker 1: works for a while, and you actually came on this 374 00:21:15,640 --> 00:21:18,919 Speaker 1: podcast nearly two years ago and we talked about the 375 00:21:18,960 --> 00:21:22,560 Speaker 1: prospect of some kind of direct to consumer play. So 376 00:21:22,960 --> 00:21:27,040 Speaker 1: let's you know, the flip side is what took so long? Why? 377 00:21:27,119 --> 00:21:29,360 Speaker 1: You know, why has it taken so long to do 378 00:21:29,480 --> 00:21:33,879 Speaker 1: something like this? Well, because nothing like this has been done, 379 00:21:34,280 --> 00:21:38,399 Speaker 1: and the path to success here just it's not a 380 00:21:38,480 --> 00:21:41,399 Speaker 1: straight line, especially when you're trying something with this degree 381 00:21:41,400 --> 00:21:44,320 Speaker 1: of ambition. If if it were easy, somebody would have 382 00:21:44,720 --> 00:21:46,639 Speaker 1: would have done this. You know. The fact is there 383 00:21:46,640 --> 00:21:49,680 Speaker 1: are three news and information services right now with over 384 00:21:49,720 --> 00:21:52,359 Speaker 1: a million paid digital subscribers, The New York Times, the 385 00:21:52,359 --> 00:21:54,680 Speaker 1: Washington Post, in the Wall Street Journal, and all three 386 00:21:54,680 --> 00:21:57,080 Speaker 1: of them, by the way, I had pretty thriving direct 387 00:21:57,160 --> 00:22:01,439 Speaker 1: to consumer businesses subscription businesses before they made their pivot 388 00:22:01,480 --> 00:22:04,639 Speaker 1: to digital. UM. There isn't a service like CNN Plus. 389 00:22:04,760 --> 00:22:08,440 Speaker 1: And the reality is, especially when you're talking about product development, 390 00:22:08,720 --> 00:22:10,639 Speaker 1: and that's what we're talking about here, it's not just 391 00:22:10,680 --> 00:22:13,399 Speaker 1: about taking content and throwing it at the wall. Um. 392 00:22:13,480 --> 00:22:15,400 Speaker 1: And and that's the thing I think people who would 393 00:22:15,400 --> 00:22:17,640 Speaker 1: suggest or relate to the game somehow, I don't think 394 00:22:17,640 --> 00:22:21,200 Speaker 1: they understand the game that we're playing. Um, because we're 395 00:22:21,240 --> 00:22:23,359 Speaker 1: gonna have world class content. We have some of the 396 00:22:23,359 --> 00:22:26,639 Speaker 1: best journalists and storytellers around, and we'll continue to invest 397 00:22:26,680 --> 00:22:29,399 Speaker 1: in them. But we've spent the last few years, as 398 00:22:29,520 --> 00:22:31,240 Speaker 1: as we discussed, you know the last time I was 399 00:22:31,240 --> 00:22:33,679 Speaker 1: on the podcast, investing in the kind of product and 400 00:22:33,720 --> 00:22:38,520 Speaker 1: technology and analytics and growth marketing capabilities that you need 401 00:22:38,560 --> 00:22:40,959 Speaker 1: to be able to run a successful subscription business. This 402 00:22:41,040 --> 00:22:44,000 Speaker 1: is really hard. But you know, the the Amazons and 403 00:22:44,040 --> 00:22:46,320 Speaker 1: the Netflix is and the Googles and the Apples. You know, 404 00:22:46,600 --> 00:22:49,960 Speaker 1: those companies weren't built in a day UH, and this 405 00:22:50,000 --> 00:22:52,080 Speaker 1: product wasn't going to be a straight line to success. 406 00:22:52,080 --> 00:22:54,320 Speaker 1: So I think we've been planting the seeds and we 407 00:22:54,400 --> 00:22:58,520 Speaker 1: feel really good about the timing um about where we 408 00:22:58,560 --> 00:23:00,359 Speaker 1: are now. So when you say it is not a 409 00:23:00,400 --> 00:23:03,800 Speaker 1: straight line, does that mean there have been previous versions 410 00:23:04,000 --> 00:23:08,840 Speaker 1: of what CNN plus UH is now, perhaps something that 411 00:23:09,080 --> 00:23:13,280 Speaker 1: was just not really similar to what you're launching. But 412 00:23:13,400 --> 00:23:16,800 Speaker 1: I don't know, say politics only vertical, or something that 413 00:23:17,280 --> 00:23:22,040 Speaker 1: for whatever reason external circumstances internal politics didn't happen. Has 414 00:23:22,080 --> 00:23:25,960 Speaker 1: there been stops and starts with different iterations of what 415 00:23:26,000 --> 00:23:30,560 Speaker 1: you're doing. Now, there have been fits and starts, because 416 00:23:30,560 --> 00:23:33,960 Speaker 1: I think that's that's the nature of innovation and product development. 417 00:23:34,359 --> 00:23:36,560 Speaker 1: But I think each one has been a step along 418 00:23:36,560 --> 00:23:39,360 Speaker 1: the path, you know. I think the notion is as 419 00:23:39,840 --> 00:23:42,760 Speaker 1: we have invested over time and will continue to invest 420 00:23:42,920 --> 00:23:47,600 Speaker 1: in UH in in content verticals that appealed to different audiences. 421 00:23:47,920 --> 00:23:51,600 Speaker 1: It's all in the pursuit of really understanding what it 422 00:23:51,640 --> 00:23:54,399 Speaker 1: takes to be able to speak directly to audiences, to 423 00:23:54,480 --> 00:23:56,480 Speaker 1: cater them and to know them, which again is very 424 00:23:56,520 --> 00:24:00,920 Speaker 1: different than working in typical ad supported news businesses. The 425 00:24:01,200 --> 00:24:04,359 Speaker 1: notion of knowing customers and being able to super serve 426 00:24:04,400 --> 00:24:07,679 Speaker 1: them around interest. So we made phrase into those areas 427 00:24:07,720 --> 00:24:11,000 Speaker 1: and they've they've served this quite well. We've we've said 428 00:24:11,000 --> 00:24:14,120 Speaker 1: over the years that we thought there was tremendous value 429 00:24:14,320 --> 00:24:16,919 Speaker 1: in in some of our talent, the true expertise that 430 00:24:16,960 --> 00:24:19,200 Speaker 1: we have, and so the research that we've done, in 431 00:24:19,240 --> 00:24:22,879 Speaker 1: the efforts that we've made that's helped inform where we 432 00:24:22,920 --> 00:24:26,240 Speaker 1: are now. We've had a number of different innovative efforts 433 00:24:26,240 --> 00:24:29,400 Speaker 1: that have given us a chance to try new products, 434 00:24:29,440 --> 00:24:32,640 Speaker 1: to to bring them to market, to serve different audiences, 435 00:24:32,720 --> 00:24:36,200 Speaker 1: and that's taught us something along the way. Um So again, 436 00:24:36,280 --> 00:24:38,440 Speaker 1: I I don't think we're living in a world and 437 00:24:38,480 --> 00:24:41,000 Speaker 1: by the way, I don't think the media industry in 438 00:24:41,080 --> 00:24:45,560 Speaker 1: general is living in a time where one day looks 439 00:24:45,640 --> 00:24:48,359 Speaker 1: like the next. And so I would say that there 440 00:24:48,359 --> 00:24:51,000 Speaker 1: have absolutely been fits and starts in our journey, but 441 00:24:51,080 --> 00:24:53,879 Speaker 1: each one has helped us get to where we are today. 442 00:24:55,280 --> 00:24:57,160 Speaker 1: You've said a number of times in this interview, there's 443 00:24:57,200 --> 00:25:01,600 Speaker 1: nothing like this. But if I may in the broad strokes, 444 00:25:02,080 --> 00:25:06,440 Speaker 1: is Fox Nation, Fox News his own uh streaming network 445 00:25:06,800 --> 00:25:09,360 Speaker 1: really all that different than what you're describing. I mean, 446 00:25:09,359 --> 00:25:13,280 Speaker 1: of course, ideologically it's completely different. But you know, they 447 00:25:13,320 --> 00:25:16,280 Speaker 1: took Tucker Carlson and they sort of extended what he 448 00:25:16,320 --> 00:25:18,600 Speaker 1: did on the streaming network. Maybe you'll do that with 449 00:25:18,720 --> 00:25:24,520 Speaker 1: Jake Tapper Anderson or whatever. So is that an unfair comparison? Yeah? 450 00:25:24,560 --> 00:25:29,200 Speaker 1: I mean, look, you know, ideology, propaganda, misinformation aside, right, 451 00:25:29,520 --> 00:25:32,199 Speaker 1: A big, big aster has gone that one. Yeah, no, no, like, 452 00:25:32,520 --> 00:25:36,040 Speaker 1: but but even put that aside, like, I understand why 453 00:25:36,200 --> 00:25:39,080 Speaker 1: you know they're doing what they're doing, and because from 454 00:25:39,080 --> 00:25:42,760 Speaker 1: a business perspective, they're trying to super serve a specific 455 00:25:42,800 --> 00:25:45,240 Speaker 1: audience and I get that UM in the in the 456 00:25:45,280 --> 00:25:48,040 Speaker 1: space that they're in. That that makes sense. But again 457 00:25:48,200 --> 00:25:50,360 Speaker 1: going back to what CNN Plus is, it as three 458 00:25:50,440 --> 00:25:53,880 Speaker 1: distinct components. So it has eight to twelve hours of 459 00:25:54,200 --> 00:25:57,359 Speaker 1: live programming days, so original programming that will drop daily 460 00:25:57,359 --> 00:26:00,879 Speaker 1: and weekly, some with our well known talent, some with others. 461 00:26:01,280 --> 00:26:04,000 Speaker 1: Then it will have this really extensive on demand library, 462 00:26:04,080 --> 00:26:07,360 Speaker 1: and we think that will be a differentiator. The third component, though, 463 00:26:07,359 --> 00:26:13,240 Speaker 1: which is truly unique, is we're building a capability within 464 00:26:13,240 --> 00:26:16,760 Speaker 1: the platform to allow our fans and followers to connect 465 00:26:17,000 --> 00:26:20,879 Speaker 1: directly UM with our talent and with our experts. Because 466 00:26:20,960 --> 00:26:22,760 Speaker 1: what we've found over the course of the last few 467 00:26:22,800 --> 00:26:26,280 Speaker 1: years is we've researched this, our audiences are desperate to 468 00:26:26,359 --> 00:26:29,080 Speaker 1: take part. They don't want to just be passive viewers, 469 00:26:29,359 --> 00:26:32,840 Speaker 1: they want to be active participants. So, for example, last year, 470 00:26:33,119 --> 00:26:36,280 Speaker 1: in the throes of COVID, we started doing a weekly 471 00:26:36,320 --> 00:26:40,239 Speaker 1: broadcast town halls with Sanjay and with Anderson UM and 472 00:26:40,440 --> 00:26:43,200 Speaker 1: questions poured in from viewers who wanted to take part. 473 00:26:43,520 --> 00:26:46,680 Speaker 1: So that's helped inform the product development UM to be 474 00:26:46,720 --> 00:26:48,480 Speaker 1: able to build the platform that we want and Again, 475 00:26:48,680 --> 00:26:51,640 Speaker 1: we've been investing in the kinds of technologists and product 476 00:26:51,720 --> 00:26:54,320 Speaker 1: leaders and marketing leaders that you need to grow a 477 00:26:54,359 --> 00:26:57,800 Speaker 1: subscription service. We think that will really help differentiate us. 478 00:26:58,040 --> 00:27:00,520 Speaker 1: And and look, the last thing I would say is 479 00:27:00,640 --> 00:27:05,080 Speaker 1: again totally understanding the why Fox has taken the path 480 00:27:05,160 --> 00:27:07,600 Speaker 1: that they have to serve that audience. This is a 481 00:27:07,640 --> 00:27:09,920 Speaker 1: news platform, as I said, They're they're trying to serve 482 00:27:09,960 --> 00:27:13,480 Speaker 1: as specific, specific niche audience, which which for them makes 483 00:27:13,520 --> 00:27:16,280 Speaker 1: good business sense. We're trying to build a global news 484 00:27:16,320 --> 00:27:19,640 Speaker 1: service and that's a little bit different. M hm. Well, 485 00:27:19,920 --> 00:27:23,959 Speaker 1: the community aspect of this, this interactive aspect, sounds fascinating, 486 00:27:24,000 --> 00:27:28,480 Speaker 1: also sounds technically difficult, are you guys. I mean it's 487 00:27:28,720 --> 00:27:31,040 Speaker 1: it's hard enough, as HBO, Max and others have seen, 488 00:27:31,080 --> 00:27:33,800 Speaker 1: just to keep the signal on for millions at a time. 489 00:27:34,119 --> 00:27:36,480 Speaker 1: Then when you've got another signal going the other way, 490 00:27:37,440 --> 00:27:41,440 Speaker 1: I mean I should ask is it complicated and how 491 00:27:41,480 --> 00:27:44,560 Speaker 1: central is it really to the experience of what CNN 492 00:27:44,600 --> 00:27:47,960 Speaker 1: Plus is. It's very essential to the experience. That's why 493 00:27:48,080 --> 00:27:51,439 Speaker 1: the experience has three components. Um In terms of it 494 00:27:51,480 --> 00:27:54,120 Speaker 1: being complicated, we're trying to build it as simply as 495 00:27:54,160 --> 00:27:57,560 Speaker 1: we can because look, we know not everything will go right. 496 00:27:57,960 --> 00:27:59,480 Speaker 1: You know, we're going to launch a product in the 497 00:27:59,480 --> 00:28:02,240 Speaker 1: first quarter of next year, and some things won't go right. 498 00:28:02,440 --> 00:28:04,920 Speaker 1: That's the way product development works. And again, it's it's 499 00:28:04,920 --> 00:28:08,679 Speaker 1: interesting because it's so contrary to the way we have 500 00:28:08,760 --> 00:28:11,000 Speaker 1: been taught in media. We've been taught in news to 501 00:28:11,080 --> 00:28:13,960 Speaker 1: operate right where you know, you you launch a show, 502 00:28:14,160 --> 00:28:17,040 Speaker 1: you launch a film, it's got to be perfect. That's 503 00:28:17,040 --> 00:28:20,080 Speaker 1: not the way product development goes. It's inherently iterative, and 504 00:28:20,400 --> 00:28:24,000 Speaker 1: so we expect things, uh. You know that we expect 505 00:28:24,040 --> 00:28:26,040 Speaker 1: we will launch the product and our customers will tell 506 00:28:26,119 --> 00:28:27,680 Speaker 1: us what they like and don't like, and so we're 507 00:28:27,720 --> 00:28:29,800 Speaker 1: constantly going to be iterating. But what I'll tell you 508 00:28:29,920 --> 00:28:33,320 Speaker 1: is we've had a team of engineers and developers uh 509 00:28:33,400 --> 00:28:36,520 Speaker 1: and product managers working on this component of the service 510 00:28:36,560 --> 00:28:38,440 Speaker 1: for a while and we think it's gonna be really 511 00:28:38,440 --> 00:28:42,400 Speaker 1: important because we think, again, that's what customers want. And 512 00:28:42,560 --> 00:28:44,440 Speaker 1: that's what I keep coming back to in this The 513 00:28:44,520 --> 00:28:48,080 Speaker 1: success of this service will be predicated on whether we 514 00:28:48,160 --> 00:28:51,720 Speaker 1: create something that is of such value that our customers 515 00:28:51,720 --> 00:28:53,600 Speaker 1: want it from us. And we know that this is 516 00:28:53,640 --> 00:28:57,920 Speaker 1: something that our customers want another technical question for you 517 00:28:58,840 --> 00:29:00,840 Speaker 1: the app is see an N plus going to have 518 00:29:01,000 --> 00:29:04,880 Speaker 1: its own app or is it part of the CNN app? 519 00:29:04,920 --> 00:29:07,720 Speaker 1: How does that work? So it's a great question. You'll 520 00:29:07,760 --> 00:29:11,400 Speaker 1: you'll be able to access CNN Plus through the CNN app. 521 00:29:11,480 --> 00:29:15,840 Speaker 1: It's it's one app on mobile, also available on desktop, 522 00:29:15,960 --> 00:29:19,480 Speaker 1: also available on connected TV devices, um, And so you'll 523 00:29:19,480 --> 00:29:21,840 Speaker 1: be able to access Cnnplus through that experience. What I 524 00:29:21,840 --> 00:29:24,760 Speaker 1: should also say is, if you're a current cable or 525 00:29:24,800 --> 00:29:28,920 Speaker 1: broadband you know, pay TV subscriber and you're used to accessing, 526 00:29:29,240 --> 00:29:33,920 Speaker 1: uh the the CNN linear streams with your authenticated password, 527 00:29:34,400 --> 00:29:36,440 Speaker 1: you know, as you've done for several years, You'll still 528 00:29:36,440 --> 00:29:39,280 Speaker 1: be able to do that within the CNN app. But 529 00:29:39,360 --> 00:29:43,280 Speaker 1: the CNN Plus experience will be UM will be additive 530 00:29:43,400 --> 00:29:49,160 Speaker 1: and available only to subscribers. Speaking of pay TV providers, 531 00:29:49,200 --> 00:29:53,720 Speaker 1: I'm curious, you know, has there been any outreach to 532 00:29:53,800 --> 00:29:57,400 Speaker 1: them in terms of clearing the fact that you're going 533 00:29:57,440 --> 00:30:00,600 Speaker 1: to be doing this because I one, or how they're 534 00:30:00,640 --> 00:30:02,400 Speaker 1: going to react if they're going to feel that you 535 00:30:02,440 --> 00:30:05,640 Speaker 1: could end up cannibalizing what they're paying you good money 536 00:30:05,640 --> 00:30:09,600 Speaker 1: to put on the air. Look, those those conversations are 537 00:30:09,640 --> 00:30:13,160 Speaker 1: really important. Those relationships are really important, and at the 538 00:30:13,200 --> 00:30:17,520 Speaker 1: heart of it is, you know, are linear television networks 539 00:30:17,560 --> 00:30:20,640 Speaker 1: are really important And as I said before, we we 540 00:30:20,720 --> 00:30:23,400 Speaker 1: are in the strongest position that we've ever been, and 541 00:30:23,440 --> 00:30:26,360 Speaker 1: the commitment is for us to continue to invest in 542 00:30:26,400 --> 00:30:29,239 Speaker 1: our linear networks, to continue to keep them strong and 543 00:30:29,240 --> 00:30:32,000 Speaker 1: to keep them distinct. And that's again, it's really important 544 00:30:32,000 --> 00:30:35,520 Speaker 1: for us because we think that's part of the advantage 545 00:30:35,520 --> 00:30:37,760 Speaker 1: that we have here. We have a really strong and 546 00:30:37,800 --> 00:30:41,600 Speaker 1: thriving linear business, we have a really strong digital business, 547 00:30:41,920 --> 00:30:43,720 Speaker 1: and now we're going to have a really strong direct 548 00:30:43,720 --> 00:30:47,040 Speaker 1: to consumer offering. And we think having those three symbiotic 549 00:30:47,200 --> 00:30:51,840 Speaker 1: is really important because again, like we we are at 550 00:30:51,840 --> 00:30:55,240 Speaker 1: a place right now in our evolution where we're entering 551 00:30:55,280 --> 00:30:59,560 Speaker 1: this new space from a position of strength, and that's important. Um, 552 00:30:59,600 --> 00:31:01,920 Speaker 1: it's when you have a thriving business, it's when you 553 00:31:02,040 --> 00:31:04,960 Speaker 1: have a strong legacy, that's when you can really push it, 554 00:31:05,000 --> 00:31:08,240 Speaker 1: that's when you can evolve the business. So, UM, we're 555 00:31:08,240 --> 00:31:11,360 Speaker 1: really not worried about the impact because our commitment to 556 00:31:12,000 --> 00:31:14,360 Speaker 1: our linear networks are as strong as they've ever been. 557 00:31:15,000 --> 00:31:17,080 Speaker 1: But to put a finer point on this, do you 558 00:31:17,160 --> 00:31:21,200 Speaker 1: have the blessing of pay TV providers to do CNN Plus. 559 00:31:22,680 --> 00:31:25,120 Speaker 1: We're going to have the right conversations at the right 560 00:31:25,160 --> 00:31:27,600 Speaker 1: time with all of our partners to ensure that the 561 00:31:27,640 --> 00:31:30,360 Speaker 1: relationships that we have remain as strong as they've ever been. 562 00:31:30,440 --> 00:31:33,600 Speaker 1: Look especially by the way as we launch CNN Plus, 563 00:31:34,200 --> 00:31:38,000 Speaker 1: really strong partnership with our cable and provision will be 564 00:31:38,000 --> 00:31:40,160 Speaker 1: beneficial to see ann Plus as well, and I think 565 00:31:40,160 --> 00:31:45,360 Speaker 1: they will be beneficial um to our our distribution partners um. 566 00:31:45,400 --> 00:31:47,920 Speaker 1: It's really important that we have the right conversations at 567 00:31:47,920 --> 00:31:51,880 Speaker 1: the right times, um, because these products that we're gonna 568 00:31:51,960 --> 00:31:55,040 Speaker 1: have can live, can live in real harmony, and they 569 00:31:55,040 --> 00:31:58,400 Speaker 1: can serve audiences. They can serve our partners um in 570 00:31:58,440 --> 00:32:01,560 Speaker 1: a really effective way. You know, I raised the prospect 571 00:32:01,600 --> 00:32:06,120 Speaker 1: of cannibalization, which in success you could argue, you know, 572 00:32:06,520 --> 00:32:10,840 Speaker 1: you will hurt CNN ratings, which, yes, you're coming off 573 00:32:10,880 --> 00:32:13,720 Speaker 1: your most successful year, but one has been a year 574 00:32:13,720 --> 00:32:17,160 Speaker 1: of decline for just about everybody in this business, coming 575 00:32:17,200 --> 00:32:20,800 Speaker 1: off maybe the Trump bump. Uh So are you guys 576 00:32:20,840 --> 00:32:26,640 Speaker 1: anticipating something like that? No, again, because the content is 577 00:32:26,640 --> 00:32:28,760 Speaker 1: going to be so different, the experience is going to 578 00:32:28,840 --> 00:32:31,719 Speaker 1: be so different, the value proposition will be so different 579 00:32:31,760 --> 00:32:35,080 Speaker 1: that I'm not worried about cannibalization. I think if you 580 00:32:35,160 --> 00:32:38,800 Speaker 1: are used to turning on CNN to watch CNN for 581 00:32:38,840 --> 00:32:41,680 Speaker 1: specific reasons, you're going to continue to do that. And 582 00:32:41,720 --> 00:32:44,400 Speaker 1: I think as you get introduced to CNN Plus and 583 00:32:44,440 --> 00:32:47,240 Speaker 1: the original program that we have, whether it's faces the 584 00:32:47,320 --> 00:32:51,480 Speaker 1: you're familiar with but in in unfamiliar ways, or whether 585 00:32:51,520 --> 00:32:54,280 Speaker 1: it's a host of new talent and and new formats 586 00:32:54,280 --> 00:32:56,600 Speaker 1: and new programming, I think you will find it to 587 00:32:56,640 --> 00:33:00,960 Speaker 1: be a really distinctive experience. One last question, you've you've 588 00:33:01,040 --> 00:33:06,320 Speaker 1: you've made your announcement today, these initial details. What other 589 00:33:06,400 --> 00:33:09,000 Speaker 1: shoes should we expect to drop in the coming months. 590 00:33:09,040 --> 00:33:11,680 Speaker 1: What are you looking to get out there before U 591 00:33:12,600 --> 00:33:16,840 Speaker 1: the full launch finally happens. Well, look, I think over 592 00:33:16,880 --> 00:33:20,200 Speaker 1: the course of the next few months, you can expect 593 00:33:20,920 --> 00:33:24,080 Speaker 1: lots of exciting announcements about new talent. I think you 594 00:33:24,120 --> 00:33:29,280 Speaker 1: can expect lots of announcements about new programming, m about partnerships. 595 00:33:29,640 --> 00:33:32,440 Speaker 1: At some point we will be ready to start talking 596 00:33:32,440 --> 00:33:35,600 Speaker 1: to customers about what the service will cost. Um As 597 00:33:35,680 --> 00:33:39,080 Speaker 1: as we continue to UH, we continue to to focus 598 00:33:39,080 --> 00:33:45,160 Speaker 1: on that. So um, we're incredibly excited about this UM today. 599 00:33:45,240 --> 00:33:49,800 Speaker 1: And you know, I think you should expect a fairly 600 00:33:49,840 --> 00:33:52,560 Speaker 1: regular drumbeat from us as we get closer to our 601 00:33:52,640 --> 00:33:55,840 Speaker 1: launch UM with lots of different lots of different details. 602 00:33:55,920 --> 00:33:58,120 Speaker 1: And for us, as I said earlier, I mean this 603 00:33:58,240 --> 00:34:02,480 Speaker 1: is it's taking UH effort from people all across the company. 604 00:34:02,920 --> 00:34:07,360 Speaker 1: It has the support and enthusiasm up and down the line. UM. 605 00:34:07,360 --> 00:34:10,880 Speaker 1: You know this isn't if you think about where the 606 00:34:10,880 --> 00:34:12,919 Speaker 1: the industry is right now, like it's not a time 607 00:34:12,960 --> 00:34:16,080 Speaker 1: for half measures. You know, it's a time to take 608 00:34:16,360 --> 00:34:19,440 Speaker 1: big swings and big bets. And so I think as 609 00:34:19,440 --> 00:34:22,120 Speaker 1: you start hearing more about CNN Plus over the next 610 00:34:22,160 --> 00:34:25,759 Speaker 1: few months, I think people will really start to get 611 00:34:25,760 --> 00:34:28,359 Speaker 1: a sense of how big our ambitions are and how 612 00:34:28,400 --> 00:34:32,200 Speaker 1: significant this service UH will be and frankly, UH the 613 00:34:32,239 --> 00:34:34,520 Speaker 1: place that that we really hope it has in the 614 00:34:34,560 --> 00:34:38,120 Speaker 1: lives of our consumers every day, because that's ultimately who 615 00:34:38,120 --> 00:34:41,240 Speaker 1: we're here to serve. Well, nothing more exciting to watch 616 00:34:41,239 --> 00:34:44,799 Speaker 1: than a big swing looking forward to CNN Plus and 617 00:34:44,800 --> 00:34:47,560 Speaker 1: and everything that comes with it. Best of luck on 618 00:34:47,560 --> 00:34:50,879 Speaker 1: this Andrew really appreciate Andrew, thanks for taking the time 619 00:34:50,920 --> 00:35:00,440 Speaker 1: to chat. This has been another episode of Strictly Business. 620 00:35:00,560 --> 00:35:03,799 Speaker 1: Tune in next week for another helping of scintillating conversation 621 00:35:03,920 --> 00:35:06,480 Speaker 1: with media movers and shakers, and please make sure you 622 00:35:06,520 --> 00:35:09,960 Speaker 1: subscribe to the podcast to hear future episodes. Also, leave 623 00:35:10,000 --> 00:35:12,879 Speaker 1: a review in Apple Podcasts and let us know how 624 00:35:12,880 --> 00:35:13,319 Speaker 1: we're doing