CNN launches FAST channel in Europe for younger audiences

CNN has launched FAST channel CNN Fast in Europe to watch short-form internationally focused CNN content, aimed at younger audiences.

CNN Fast will deliver short-form videos that will feature international stories across major news events, business, entertainment, sport and the environment. Launching today across several European countries on Rakuten TV, it will also be available on LG Channels from May 24, followed by Samsung TV Plus in June. The channel’s mix of news and lifestyle content complements the existing ways that people can consume CNN content via digital, linear, audio and social media platforms.

The new channel is aimed at younger audiences who prefer shorter form content, with stories will be delivered via three-to-six-minute clips.

The company said the launch of the new channel builds on the work that CNN has done in the Connected TV (CTV) space with Rakuten TV, LG Channels and Samsung TV Plus to diversify the ways people can watch CNN’s content.

Content for CNN Fast is managed by CNN journalists and curated for the channel using the technology of cloud-based streaming solution provider Amagi. Its editorial output is overseen by Meara Erdozain, senior vice president of programming at CNN International who said, “This is a great opportunity to showcase highlights of some of the best CNN content to a broader audience, offering different genres of stories presented in a fast-paced, short-form style that will appeal to a younger and wider demographic.”

Humphrey Black, head of distribution strategy at CNN International Commercial, said, “CNN Fast offers a new and different user experience to the main CNN broadcast channel. By working with established CTV platform partners, where we have already seen considerable success for CNN content, we’re now able to connect with more viewers and households via the devices and formats that they already enjoy. This is an exciting approach that gives audiences a new way to experience CNN’s renowned journalism and storytelling.”

CNN launches in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and UK. CNN plans to roll out the channel in more countries and platforms in the coming year.