Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has publicly shared CNN's financial forecasts for the first time, revealing an ambitious revenue target of $1.8 billion by 2026. This disclosure, part of a proxy filing related to the Discovery Global spinoff, highlights CNN's crucial role in WBD's future. The projections indicate a steady increase, with revenue anticipated to reach $2.2 billion by 2030, alongside efforts to maintain Adjusted EBITDA despite shifts in the traditional television landscape.
The newly released figures illustrate CNN's expected financial trajectory over the coming years. By 2026, the news network is predicted to generate $1.8 billion in revenue, with a subsequent rise to $1.9 billion in 2027, $2 billion in 2028, and ultimately $2.2 billion by the close of the decade. Concurrently, CNN's adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) are projected to hover around $600 million in 2026, experiencing a temporary dip to $500 million in 2027 before rebounding to $600 million and holding steady through 2030.
A significant aspect of CNN's growth strategy centers on its "new platform revenue," primarily driven by streaming services, which is expected to contribute $600 million by 2030. This focus is critical as the network, like many others, navigates the challenges of a changing media consumption landscape. The filing acknowledges an anticipated 4% compound annual growth rate in core revenue declines within CNN's traditional pay-TV sector. To counteract this, the company plans to implement ongoing savings initiatives designed to stabilize Adjusted EBITDA and reallocate resources toward emerging growth opportunities, particularly in the digital realm.
Under the leadership of CEO Mark Thompson, CNN is currently undergoing a significant transformation, with a strong emphasis on adapting to the digital age. Last year, Thompson launched a premium subscription offering, signaling the network's commitment to expanding its presence beyond linear television. This strategic pivot aims to leverage CNN's global brand recognition and broad reach in an increasingly fragmented media market. The unbundling of CNN's financial data from other Discovery channels, such as TNT, TBS, HGTV, and Food Network, also suggests a proactive move to showcase the network's distinct value, potentially signaling its readiness for future strategic partnerships or acquisitions.
The financial insights provided by Warner Bros. Discovery underscore CNN's strategic importance within the broader media conglomerate. While the report notes that these projections were not initially intended for public release, their disclosure offers a transparent view into the network's financial health and future direction. This move could also serve to position CNN attractively in the market, particularly given its strong international brand presence, and address any external interest in its ownership. The detailed financial roadmap highlights the delicate balance between sustaining traditional revenue streams and aggressively pursuing growth in digital and streaming sectors to secure long-term viability in a rapidly evolving industry.