Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) will encrypt its free-to-air channel CNN International at the end of the month, a move that will leave some commercial properties like hotels and hospitals looking for a solution to continue receiving the network once the change takes place.
The encrypted channel will replace CNN International’s current free-to-air freed on April 30, at which point hospitality service providers in the United Kingdom and Ireland will need to update their equipment if they want to continue offering their guests the channel.
The move will effectively make CNN International a “free-to-view” channel in both countries, which means ordinary TV viewers with conditional access equipment like a Sky satellite set-top box won’t be impacted by the change. But those who previously relied upon terrestrial or satellite equipment to receive CNN International, including businesses, will not be able to access the channel.
Techlive International has been appointed as an authorized partner to manage the transition, working directly with hotels and in-room entertainment system providers to coordinate technical upgrades and ensure continuity of service, the company told The Desk by e-mail on Thursday. Techlive will engage with hospitality service providers to ensure they have the necessary licensing arrangements and infrastructure necessary to continue bringing CNN International to their customers.
In a statement, Techlive said the move to encryption comes at a time when more content providers are looking at different ways to ensure their media is protected from unauthorized distribution.
“Many hotels have already begun the process of securing continued access to CNN,” said Techlive CEO Tim Worrall said in a statement. “However, with just two weeks remaining until the encryption deadline, delaying action could lead to a temporary service disruption.”
Many hotels offer their guests access to CNN International as a way to help their customers stay informed about global events. The channel is particularly favored among foreign tourists and business travelers who seek news in English. In the U.K. and Ireland, CNN International competes with other channels like BBC News, Sky News, Al Jazeera English and France 24.
The transition comes at a time when many hotels are already reassessing their technology infrastructure and guest-facing services, including streaming integration and personalized content offerings. Ensuring uninterrupted access to core channels like CNN is seen as part of a broader effort to maintain service standards while adapting to evolving distribution requirements, Techlive noted.
Techlive said it will help hospitality service providers ensure they have the right equipment to ensure continued access to CNN International once the channel encrypts its signal at the end of the month. Techlive is also providing support in evaluating licensing options and facilitating access under the new distribution framework.
Hospitality service providers who want more information about the CNN International transition can contact Techlive by clicking or tapping here.
