Who Owns CNN?
CNN is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, a publicly traded American media and entertainment conglomerate. CNN operates as Warner Bros. Discovery's flagship news network and primary news division. Warner Bros. Discovery is headquartered in New York City, USA and trades on NASDAQ under WBD.
Parent Company
Warner Bros. Discovery
Founded
1980
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Who Owns CNN?
- Parent Company: Warner Bros. Discovery
- Ownership Type: Subsidiary
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NASDAQ: WBD
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| CNN | Warner Bros. Discovery | Subsidiary |
History of CNN
- Founded: 1980
- Founders: Ted Turner
CNN was founded on June 1, 1980, by American media mogul Ted Turner as the world's first 24-hour cable news channel. The network launched with the groundbreaking concept of providing around-the-clock news coverage, revolutionizing how people consumed news and information.
Throughout the 1980s, CNN established itself as a major force in journalism, gaining international recognition for its coverage of major events including the Challenger disaster, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the Gulf War. CNN's live reporting from Baghdad during the Gulf War in 1991 cemented its reputation for courageous and comprehensive journalism.
Under Ted Turner's ownership and later Time Warner's acquisition in 1996, CNN expanded globally with CNN International and launched specialized networks like CNN Headline News, CNNfn (financial news), and CNN Sports Illustrated. The network also developed its digital presence with CNN.com, becoming a leader in online news.
The 2000s and 2010s brought challenges from competing cable news networks and changing media consumption habits, but CNN maintained its position as a global news leader. In 2022, CNN became part of Warner Bros. Discovery following the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery, Inc., bringing the network under new ownership.
About Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ: WBD) is a publicly traded American media and entertainment conglomerate formed in April 2022 through the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery, Inc. In June 2025, the company announced a plan to split into two separate publicly traded companies: Warner Bros. (streaming, studios, HBO/Max) and Discovery Global (linear TV networks). The split is expected to complete in mid-2026 and is structured to be tax-free.
- Founded: 2022
- Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NASDAQ: WBD
Where Is CNN Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States, Atlanta, New York, Washington D.C.
Brands Owned by Warner Bros. Discovery
- Adult Swim - American programming block and streaming service on Cartoon Network featuring ad...
- Animal Planet - American cable television network focused on wildlife, animal behavior, nature d...
- Boomerang - American cable television network and streaming service focused on classic and c...
- Cartoon Network - American children's television network known for animated series and original pr...
- DC Comics - American comic book publisher and entertainment company known for superhero char...
- Discovery Channel - American cable television network known for documentary, reality, and educationa...
- Eurosport - European sports television network and streaming service providing coverage of m...
- Food Network - American cable television network focused on cooking shows, culinary competition...
- HBO Max - American subscription video on-demand streaming service offering content from HB...
- HBO - American premium cable and satellite television network known for original progr...
- HGTV - American cable television network focused on home improvement, interior design, ...
- Magnolia Network - American cable television network and streaming service focused on home design, ...
- Max - American subscription video on-demand streaming service offering content from HB...
- TCM - American cable television network dedicated to classic films, cinema history, an...
- TLC - American cable television network focused on lifestyle, reality, and entertainme...
- Travel Channel - American cable television network focused on travel, tourism, adventure, and des...
- Warner Bros. - American film and television production and distribution company known for movie...
CNN Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Global news network with extensive international presence and credibility
- +Strong brand recognition in journalism and breaking news coverage
- +Integration with Warner Bros. Discovery's content library and distribution
- +Digital leadership with CNN.com and mobile platforms
- +Backed by Warner Bros. Discovery's resources and technology investments
Considerations
- -Intense competition from Fox News, MSNBC, and digital news sources
- -Declining cable news viewership due to streaming and digital alternatives
- -Challenges in maintaining objectivity while competing for audience attention
- -High operational costs for global news gathering and reporting
- -Balance between traditional broadcast and digital news strategies
Frequently Asked Questions About CNN
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