CNN is extending its paid streaming service to the United Kingdom and Canada on October 20, marking a significant step in its digital expansion under new ownership. The move follows the completion of Skydance Media’s $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, which gives Skydance founder David Ellison control over CNN alongside CBS, HBO, and Paramount.

The subscription service, which debuted in the U.S. a year ago, offers users a live news stream distinct from CNN’s traditional broadcast channel, as well as on-demand video content and full access to its digital journalism. It will be priced at £4.99 per month in the UK and C$7.99 in Canada, with plans for further international rollout next year.

Mark Thompson, CNN’s chair who remains in his role after the acquisition, emphasized the network’s dedication to global news coverage. “From Ted Turner on, this global news commitment is what CNN has always stood for in the world’s eyes,” Thompson said. He stressed that expanding global access to CNN across all platforms was a logical progression for the network.

While CNN did not disclose specific subscription figures in the U.S., Thompson indicated the service has exceeded internal expectations. According to regulatory filings from January, CNN is projected to generate $1.8 billion in revenue and $600 million in adjusted operating profit for the year.

The initiative comes as Skydance, which carries a substantial debt load from the acquisition, has pledged to achieve $6 billion in cost savings. Thompson communicated in an internal memo that Ellison and his team are enthusiastic about CNN’s digital strategy.

The ownership transition occurs amid ongoing friction between CNN and the Trump administration. The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating CNN and other networks over potential antitrust violations linked to their temporary suspension of “pooled coverage” of President Donald Trump. This suspension followed the White House’s decision to bar CNN and several other outlets from press briefings last month.

Thompson described the administration’s exclusion of CNN reporters as a First Amendment issue. “The public’s right to have journalists asking questions and holding U.S. political leadership to account is the true topic,” he said, underscoring the network’s stance on press freedom during a turbulent political climate.