CNN Reports on ‘Porn Recession’

NEW YORK — It seems like CNN is just catching onto the effects the U.S. economy as a whole has had on the adult film industry — something those in the business have known for quite a while.

The news agency posted a three-minute video report Tuesday on CNN.com from Kareen Wynter detailing the effects the economic downturn has had on the adult industry’s bottom line.

“Business has been difficult; it’s been trying,” Wicked Pictures Vice President of Special Projects Joy King told CNN. “A lot of companies have gone out of business; companies are shooting fewer movies.”

The brief piece also explores performers’ scene rates and the downturn in production.

“Companies don’t have the budgets that they had five years ago,” King said. “So maybe where in the past a girl was making $1,200 a scene [the companies] may now say ‘I can only afford $1,000. Do you want the work?’”

Also featured in the report is Lisa Ann who claims that online piracy and free online porn is hurting her website membership numbers to the tune of 30-50 percent.

While the overall economic picture painted isn’t rosy, Wynter interviews new performer Angela Attison who saw porn as a new opportunity for herself and her family. She started performing after being laid off at her civilian job, and says that she makes two to three times more in porn than she did previously, and the shorter hours and fewer workdays allows Attison to spend more time with her children.

“I never saw myself doing anything like this,” Attison told CNN. “It does pay more, and I’m working less, and I’m home with my kids more. I love that.”

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

SWR Data Announces 2026 'State of Creator' Winter Report

Adult industry market research outfit SWR Data has announced that it will release data from its annual State of the Creator survey at an XBIZ LA workshop, taking place at the Kimpton Everly Hotel.

Holly Randall Launches Marketing Firm, Signs Stripchat Deal

Holly Randall has launched her new marketing firm, Holly Randall Agency, and signed the agency’s first deal with Stripchat.

Agatha Vega Returns to Dorcel for 'Agatha's Secrets'

2024 Euro XMAs Performer of the Year Agatha Vega stars in the new Dorcel title “Agatha’s Secrets.”

2026 XBIZ Conference Speaker Lineup Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the release of the full speaker lineup for XBIZ 2026, the latest edition of North America’s largest adult industry conference, set to take place Jan. 12-15 at the Kimpton Everly Hotel in Hollywood.

Sarah Arabic, Ashlyn Peaks & Cali Sweets Star in Latest 'All-Girl Massage'

Sarah Arabic, Ashlyn Peaks, and Cali Sweets star in the latest installment of Adult Time series "All-Girl Massage."

Alexis James Makes Her Elegant Angel Debut

Alexis James has made her debut for Elegant Angel in a new scene titled “Fit For Anal.”

Clara Mia Leads Dorcel's 'Climax #5'

Multi-Euro XMAs winner Clara Mia headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled “Climax #5.”

Dreamcam Rolls Out Browser-Based Passthrough VR

Dreamcam has introduced passthrough VR to its livestreaming platform.

2026 TEAs Nominees Announced

Nominees for the 2026 Trans Erotica Awards (TEAs), presented by Clips4Sale, have been announced. The ceremony will return to the Avalon in Hollywood on Sunday, March 8.

JD Directs New Arya Santana Showcase

Evil Angel has released director JD’s latest showcase, titled "Bad Behavior: Arya Santana."

Show More