CNN continues to make cuts under new boss Chris Licht, and the latest is that the network is no longer authorizing original TV series and films from third-party content creators (h/t TV Newser).
In a note to staffers, Licht explained, “this was a very difficult decision to make, and it was based, in large part, on the ever-increasing cost of commissioning third-party premium content.
“However, I want to be clear that longform content remains an important pillar of our programming.”
CNN has teamed up with outside production companies such as Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown, This Is Life with Lisa Ling, United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell, and on newer CNN Original Series like the critically-acclaimed Stanley Tucci Searching for Italy.
All of these programs that third-party companies produced have all gone on to win Primetime Emmy Awards.
“How we can approach longform content in house … My goal is to find a model that will enable us to bring our audiences this type of programming with greater flexibility,” CNN Original Series and Films boss Amy Entelis said.
In 2023, CNN Original Series and Films is scheduled to distribute six series and six films.
Eduardo Razo is the Assistant Content Editor for BNM, which includes writing daily news stories on the news media industry. He can be found on Twitter @eddierazo_ or you can reach him by email at eddie1991razo@gmail.com.
