CNN Max Could Violate Warner Bros. Discovery’s Contract with DirecTV: Report

Satellite TV provider DirecTV has voiced concerns to CNN’s parent company about offerings on its new streaming service, CNN Max.

In a letter sent to Warner Bros. Discovery executives, DirecTV warned that the 24/7 news programming on CNN Max could potentially violate their contract, The New York Times reported, citing two unnamed sources familiar with the matter.

When Warner Bros. Discovery rolled out its shiny new attempt at streaming, it came with some modifications. Most notably, the platform would give viewers access to everyday live news broadcasts, including Anderson Cooper 360, The Lead with Jake Tapper and other popular shows also available on its cable channel. 

Therein lies the problem for DirecTV, according to the Times. It, and other satellite and cable providers, pay millions of dollars to distribute programming. But when these same programs become available on streaming services, providers are left bearing high costs and, likely, reduced viewership. 

The relationship goes both ways: Programming giants, like Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney, rely on providers, and pay them handsomely, to distribute their programming. It’s not clear if the dispute between DirecTV and Warner Bros. Discovery will escalate, the Times reported. 

DirecTV and Warner Bros. Discovery did not immediately respond to The Messenger’s request for comment.

CNN’s first stab at streaming, CNN+, was short-lived. Warner Bros. Discovery sought to build a subscription news platform with all of CNN’s interviews and entertainment, as well as its own videos, podcasts and other media. The platform shuttered in April 2022, just weeks after launching.

CNN Max launched on Sept. 27, and is available through Max, Warner Bros. Discovery’s most popular streaming platform.

Mark Thompson, former president and chief executive of The New York Times Company, will step in as CEO of CNN on Oct. 9, replacing Chris Licht, who was ousted in early June on the heels of a bombshell profile by The Atlantic.