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

XBIZ 2027 Hotel Room Booking Now Open

Hotel booking is now open for XBIZ 2027, giving attendees the opportunity to secure their stay at the host venue, JW Marriott L.A. Live.

FSC Case Against Tennessee AV Law Can Go Forward, Court Rules

A U.S. district court on Tuesday denied the Tennessee attorney general’s motion to dismiss a Free Speech Coalition lawsuit challenging the Protect Tennessee Minors Act as unconstitutional.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for July, August

AEBN has published the top search terms for July and August from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Jennifer White, Kate Dalia Headline Latest Volume of 'The Voyeur' From Sweet Sinner

Reigning XMAs Female Performer of the Year Jennifer White and Kate Dalia topline the seventh volume of “The Voyeur,” the latest release from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweet Sinner.

2027 XMA 'Fan Favorite' Pre-Nominations Period Now Open

XMA event organizers have announced that the pre-nomination period for Fan Favorite categories for the January 2027 ceremony is now open.

California Legislature Passes Stricter UGC Rules for Adult Sites

A bill to impose tighter compliance standards for user-generated content (UGC) on adult websites has been approved by the California state legislature and now awaits the governor’s signature.

CollabGPS Rolls Out 'Verification Badge' Update

CollabGPS has launched a badge system for user verification.

Tiffani Time Fronts Latest From Kink.com

Tiffani Time stars with Cody Arizona in the latest release from Kink.com’s “Divine Bitches” series, titled “Muscle Match Up.”

Rachael Cavalli Leads Latest From Girlsway

Rachael Cavalli stars with Charlie Forde, Summer Kline, and Coco Lovelock in the latest Girlsway release, titled “A Romantic Time for the Whole Fam.”

Kasey Kei Fronts Latest From Evil Angel

Kasey Kei stars with Marica Hase in the latest scene from the Evil Angel series “Transsexual Angel.”

Show More