In another latest salvo amid tensions between video providers and programmers, DirecTV sent a letter to Warner Bros. Discovery warning that offering CNN as part of its streaming package risks violating the contract between the two companies.CNN’s new CNN Max launched last week on Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max streaming platform. Unlike its previous (and quickly shuttered) iteration CNN+, CNN Max mirrors much of the schedule of CNN’s traditional cable channel, along with some original programming and the CNN Originals library.It’s not surprising that cable and satellite providers, who pay hefty fees to content programmers, have balked at news networks offering a streaming simulcast beyond existing linear customers.CNN Max has said it relies on the CNN International feed, which has different, and presumably less restrictive, agreement than traditional CNN. Warner Bros. Discovery also insists the streaming audience skews much younger than linear. The media giant had no specific comment on the DirecTV letter but said it “maintains strong and meaningful relationships with our affiliate partners. Our partners are aware of and understand our rationale with Max, which is to reach new audiences.”DirecTV reps weren’t immediately available to for comment. It’s not clear if the company plans to escalate the matter.
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