CNN launches the new Fast channel in Europe

The popular news channel CNN, which is part of Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN Fast, the free-to-air commercial television channel (FAST) offering audiences a new way to watch a variety of internationally relevant CNN content. Edited by the CNN editorial team, CNN Fast tells international stories on important news, business, entertainment, sports, and environmental events through short videos.

The channel launched today in several European countries on Rakuten TV, and will be available from May 24 on LG Channel and in June on Samsung TV Plus. The channel’s mix of news and lifestyle content complements other ways to enjoy CNN content, already available across digital channels and linear, audio and social media platforms.

With a dynamic video schedule, the new service is designed to appeal to a younger audience, who prefer shorter, more meaningful content, sited by the most trusted news channel on the international information scene. With stories told in short three- to six-minute segments, the new fast-paced, easy-to-use format will keep viewers informed and engaged. In addition to reaching new audiences, CNN Fast also opens up more opportunities for brand partners with new ad formats and targeting capabilities.

The launch of the new channel builds on CNN’s work within Connected TV (CTV) with Rakuten TV, LG Channels and Samsung TV Plus to diversify the ways people enjoy CNN content.

“CNN Fast brings a new and different user experience to the flagship CNN channel,” said Humphrey Black, Head of Distribution Strategy, CNN International Commercial. “By working with CTV Platform Partners, where we’ve already seen great success with CNN content, we can now connect with more viewers and families via Devices and formats they already love. It’s an exciting approach that offers audiences a new way to experience CNN’s world-famous style of journalism and storytelling.”

CNN Fast’s content is managed by CNN reporters and curated specifically for the channel using technology from cloud-based broadcast solutions provider Amagi. Editorial production is supervised by Mira Erdozen, Senior Vice President of Programming at CNN International. “This is an amazing opportunity to showcase some of the best content on CNN to a wider audience by offering stories across multiple genres presented in a fast-paced, stripped-down style that will appeal to both older and younger audiences.”

CNN Fast is available in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. It will be available in more countries and platforms over the next year. This addition adds to FAST’s existing offerings in the US, available today on Samsung TV Plus and Pluto TV.