CNN mysteriously vanishes from Samsung TV Plus, but you can easily get it back

Samsung, the world’s leading television manufacturer for 18 consecutive years, has found itself in hot water with some of its TV Plus users. The tech giant’s free streaming service, Samsung TV Plus, recently removed CNN from its channel lineup without warning, sparking confusion and frustration among viewers who relied on the channel for news.

Samsung TV Plus, initially launched in 2016, struggled to gain traction as a paid video-on-demand service. The company’s fortunes changed in 2019 when they pivoted to a free, ad-supported model, offering a plethora of channels that users could access with a simple click of their remote. This shift proved to be a massive success, with viewership skyrocketing, thanks in part to the inclusion of popular news channels like CNN.

Granted, this abrupt change comes as a surprise, considering Samsung TV Plus’s recent success, attributed in part to its comprehensive selection of FAST (free ad-supported TV) news channels, including CNN, ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. Just last November, the platform boasted massive viewership growth, with news channels playing a significant role.

Reports of CNN’s disappearance began surfacing a few days ago on Samsung forums and X, with users expressing their dismay and seeking answers. One user lamented, “Has Samsung dropped CNN from their TV Plus line up or is there something wrong with my device?!” Another frustrated viewer seeking clarification about the decision, stated, “I noticed that CNN has disappeared and it’s no longer available among Samsung TV plus news channels. Can anyone please explain this?” and another was relieved to have an alternative, posting on X saying “Damn CNN really isn’t on Samsung tv anymore, thank god I have MAX.”

The sudden disappearance of CNN from Samsung TV Plus has left viewers scratching their heads, especially those who depended on the channel for their daily news fix. While Samsung TV Plus is a free service that can remove and add channels at their discretion, the sudden loss of such a popular channel has undoubtedly disrupted the viewing habits of many.

Interestingly, this development follows recent reports of Samsung allegedly shutting down Samsung TV Plus. A week ago, some Family Hub Refrigerator users received a notice claiming the service was being discontinued except in Mexico. However, Samsung quickly clarified that the notice was an error and assured users that Samsung TV Plus was not going anywhere.

In response to the outcry on the forums, a Samsung forum moderator chimed in on the removal of CNN, stating that channels on Samsung TV Plus are subject to change without notice or reason. They suggested that affected users download the CNN app from the TV app store as an alternative.

We’re sorry to hear that one of the channels you value has been removed. With Samsung TV Plus, all channels are subject to change without any prior notice or reason. That being stated, please keep in mind that Samsung TV Plus is a 100% free service with no strings attached and offers a wide range of programming. While I understand it can be disappointing when you have that one station that you’ve truly enjoyed removed, there are always alternative methods of still getting that same content.

However, this response has done little to appease disgruntled viewers who valued the convenience and accessibility of having CNN as part of the Samsung TV Plus channel lineup. Some speculate that it may be a technical glitch, while others worry that it’s a permanent removal. Interestingly, the Google Play Store page for Samsung TV Plus still lists CNN in its description. However, the app hasn’t been updated since April, so this information may be outdated. Whether the channel is still available on the mobile app remains unclear.

This incident raises questions about the stability of free streaming platforms and the control that companies have over the content they offer. While Samsung TV Plus is a free service, the sudden removal of a popular channel like CNN highlights the potential drawbacks of relying on such platforms for essential information.

In the meantime, viewers who miss CNN on Samsung TV Plus will have to resort to alternative methods, such as downloading the app or finding the channel on other platforms. However, the sudden disappearance of a popular channel like CNN serves as a reminder that even in the world of free streaming services, nothing is guaranteed.

Featured image: Samsung