CNN has returned to Virgin Media’s TV service, as a linear channel, after a three-year absence.
As of today (Tuesday), the 24-hour news channel is available on all Virgin Media TV boxes, including the Stream device, and can be found on Channel 626.
This relaunch comes with two notable changes: CNN is now broadcast in high definition (HD), and Virgin Media has introduced a dedicated CNN catch-up section, allowing viewers to watch certain programmes on demand.
For those who need a refresher, CNN (Cable News Network) was founded in 1980 as the first TV channel to provide 24-hour news coverage and the first all-news television channel in the US.
The international version, CNN International, launched in 1985, bringing global news to audiences worldwide.
CNN offers a mix of live news bulletins, in-depth reporting, political analysis, and documentary programming. Viewers can expect coverage of major global events, US politics, business news, and current affairs.
CNN’s Bumpy UK Ride
CNN has been a familiar face in British living rooms for decades. However, in September 2021, many viewers were left empty-handed when CNN was removed from Virgin Media, Freesat, and BT TV.
At the time, CNN cited a shift towards subscription-based distribution as the reason for the move.
The channel remained available on Sky and through CNN’s own streaming subscription, but for many viewers, accessing their global news source suddenly became a lot trickier.
Eventually, CNN scrapped its short-lived streaming service, CNN+, and while the basic live subscription is still available as a standalone service in the UK, the road became clearer for the linear channel’s return to Virgin Media.
CNN Returns To Virgin Media
This week, CNN has finally returned to Virgin Media’s TV service after a three-year absence.
The news channel is now available as a direct channel on all Virgin Media TV boxes, including the newer Stream device.
Viewers can find CNN on Channel 626.
And unlike its previous iteration on Virgin Media, CNN is now broadcast in high definition (HD).
Virgin Media has also introduced a CNN catch-up section as part of its on-demand offerings. This library lets viewers watch certain CNN programmes outside of their regular broadcast times.
Of course, the return of CNN to Virgin Media comes ahead of the upcoming US elections, a period when interest in US news coverage typically increases in the UK.
So, at this point, Virgin Media customers have three options for watching CNN:
- The new HD channel on 626
- Through the recently launched Rakuten TV app on Virgin Media, where CNN is available as part of Rakuten’s free, ad-supported channels
- Via the Prime Video app, where CNN is also accessible as a live-streaming channel
Viewers without Virgin Media or Sky can also access CNN via the Rakuten or Prime Video apps (which are available on most streaming devices).
However, we’re not aware of any plans to officially bring CNN back to Freesat (or Freeview, for that matter – from which it was removed way back in 2010).
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