CNN has rolled out a refreshed programming schedule for CNN Headlines, its free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channel that delivers a curated stream of news across business, politics, culture, entertainment and international events.
The new lineup features CNN Headline Express, a live news program anchored by Brad Smith, who joined CNN in July. The show offers regular updates on national and international news along with sports, business and entertainment. Other additions include ICYMI (In Case You Missed It), which compiles standout stories from CNN U.S. programming, and American Pulse, an hour of reports from CNN’s network of local affiliates across the country.
“The relaunch of CNN Headlines is vital to our distribution and investment strategy, and I’m proud of how hard our teams across CNN have worked to innovate in this space,” said Eric Sherling, the Executive Vice President of U.S. Programming for CNN Worldwide. He added that the FAST channel complements CNN’s cable programming by providing timely updates and broader reach.
CNN Headlines is available for free on CNN.com, the CNN app and through free streaming platforms like Plex. It is part of a broader push by CNN into FAST channels, which also includes CNN Originals, launched in 2024 to showcase long-form documentary content. Internationally, CNN recently rebranded its CNN FAST channel to CNN Headlines, adding a refreshed identity and a real-time news ticker.
In addition to CNN Headlines, CNN operates two other free streaming channels: CNN Originals, which includes replays of reality-based programming and documentaries like “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” and “This is Life with Lisa Ling,” and a streaming simulcast of CNN International that is offered in a limited number of countries.
The schedule runs weekdays from 7 a.m. through 11 p.m. with live, replay and affiliate-driven programming blocks. The new schedule follows below, all times Eastern:
- 7 a.m.: CNN Headline Express (live)
- 8 a.m.: CNN Headline Express
- 10 a.m.: ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
- 11 a.m.: CNN Headline Express (live)
- noon: CNN Headline Express
- 2 p.m.: American Pulse
- 3 p.m.: ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
- 4 p.m.: American Pulse
- 5 p.m.: CNN Headline Express (live)
- 6 p.m.: CNN Headline Express
- 8 p.m.: ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
- 9 p.m.: American Pulse
- 10 p.m.: CNN Headline Express
- 11 p.m.: ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
CNN is part of media conglomerate Warner Bros Discovery (WBD).
