ATLANTA, 19 February 2026 – CNN (Cable News Network) remains a central pillar of the global media landscape, continuing its legacy as the world’s first 24-hour news channel. As of early 2026, the network is navigating a complex period marked by intense political reporting on the Trump administration, shifting viewership trends, and a digital-first strategy under the ownership of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Latest Updates and Breaking News
In the last 24 hours, CNN has been at the forefront of several major international and domestic breaking stories:
- Trump Administration Developments: Today, 19 February 2026, CNN is providing live coverage of President Trump’s “Board of Peace” meeting in Washington. This follows a critical report from earlier today regarding the administration’s opaque rationale for potential military action against Iran, with military sources suggesting readiness for strikes by the coming weekend.
- Royal Family Arrest: CNN reported less than an hour ago that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III, has been arrested by UK police on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to the Epstein investigation.
- Domestic Policy: A CNN investigation published today revealed how immigration agents are utilising 18 U.S.C. 111, a once-obscure law, to detain individuals who film or follow them during enforcement actions.
- Government Shutdown: Reporting from yesterday, 18 February, confirmed that the partial U.S. government shutdown continues as negotiations in Geneva between Ukrainian and Russian delegations concluded without a broader resolution for domestic funding.
Network History and Ownership
Founded by Ted Turner and Reese Schonfeld, CNN debuted on 1 June 1980. It revolutionised the industry by moving away from the traditional “nightly news” format to a continuous cycle. Over the decades, the network has transitioned through several corporate owners, eventually becoming a key asset of Warner Bros. Discovery.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1 June 1980 |
| Founders | Ted Turner and Reese Schonfeld |
| Headquarters | Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Current Owner | Warner Bros. Discovery |
| Key Executives | David Zaslav (WBD CEO) |
| First Broadcast | 1980 |
Current Market Position and Ratings
The media landscape in 2026 presents significant challenges for traditional cable networks. Recent data indicates that CNN’s primetime viewership has seen a decline from the “Trump bump” highs of 2017. By mid-2025, primetime audiences averaged approximately 573,000 viewers, representing a 45% drop over an eight-year period.
Despite the decline in traditional cable ratings, CNN’s digital presence remains dominant. As of February 2026, CNN.com continues to be one of the most visited news websites in the United States, recently seeing a 12% increase in monthly visits to reach nearly 400 million. This suggests a successful pivot toward digital consumption even as cable “cord-cutting” impacts linear television.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who currently owns CNN?
CNN is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, a media conglomerate formed by the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery, Inc. The network has been part of the “Warner family” in various forms since 1996.
What is the “Board of Peace” mentioned in recent news?
The “Board of Peace” is a high-level meeting hosted by President Trump in Washington (as of 19 February 2026) aimed at addressing ongoing international conflicts, though its specific policy outcomes remain under scrutiny by political analysts.
Is CNN still headquartered in Atlanta?
Yes, CNN remains headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, where it was originally founded in 1980, although it maintains major bureaus in New York City, Washington D.C., and around the globe.
How are CNN’s ratings performing in 2026?
While cable ratings have trended downward—averaging around 432,000 total day viewers in 2025—the network’s digital platforms have seen double-digit growth, maintaining its status as a top-tier news source in the U.S. market.