CNN launches a streaming service to target cord-cutters in Canada

As traditional cable TV revenue declines, international distribution, including in the UK, is aimed at attracting more digital subscribers.

It's the end of an era in Canada as CNN has decided to go direct to consumers and launch its All Access premium subscription service north of the border on October 20.

But with traditional linear TV revenue declining north of the border, and with video-on-demand subscription revenue increasingly driving business models, CNN is responding to wire and wireless outages in offering its All Access subscription service in Canada.

With young Canadians cutting the cord, it marks the end of an era elsewhere for the Canadian industry. Cable and telecommunications giant Rogers Communications recently balked at extending CBC's National Hockey League Saturday night games, a hockey night in Canada that went public in 1952.

CNN's international expansion into Canada and the U.K., ahead of peak interest in the U.S. midterm elections, also follows CNN's move to Skydance now that it's bought by Warner Bros. Discovery.

That has parent CNN looking to undercut cable TV revenue in Canada with new revenue from digital subscriptions. "CNN's reputation as a trusted name in news around the world is unparalleled. We are excited to offer this audience an easy way to access our 24/7 live channel and global reporting in one place," said Alex McCallum, COO, CNN Worldwide in a statement. "Following the enthusiastic reception of this offering in the US, expansion initially into the UK and Canada has been a top priority for our international expansion as we continue to invest in and grow our direct-to-consumer business."