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

Madi Collins Talks Brains, Biology and the Art of Performance

“I was born to perform,” Madi Collins declares. “It comes really naturally to me, and it taps into a part of my soul that makes me feel fulfilled.”

Juliana Marie, Alaina Taylor Lead Latest From Family Strokes

Juliana Marie and Alaina Taylor star with Jayden Marcos in the latest from Family Strokes’ “PervMom” series, titled “If Your Girlfriend Wants to Be a Part of the Family, She Has to Share Your Cock.”

SWR Data Publishes 2026 'Hot List' Report

Adult industry market research outfit SWR Data has published its 2026 Hot List report on the top creator platforms of 2025.

Adult Time, AgentRedGirl Drop 2nd Installment of 'Oopsie! Animated'

Adult Time has released the second episode of "Oopsie! Animated," a limited futanari-themed series produced in collaboration with animation studio AgentRedGirl.

Zariah Aura, Yhivi Headline 'Salacious TS Encounters 3' From TransSensual

Zariah Aura and Yhivi topline “Salacious TS Encounters 3” from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Adult Chat Platform Arousr Sets Human-Only Host Policy

Adult chat platform Arousr has announced a policy to only use verified human hosts, not chatbots.

Arizona State Legislator Proposes Porn Ban

A member of Arizona’s House of Representatives on Wednesday introduced a bill that would make it illegal to produce or distribute adult content in that state.

VR Bangers Celebrates 10th Anniversary

VR Bangers has marked its 10-year anniversary.

Maddie V Baby Is Hustler's 'Cover Honey' for February

Maddie V Baby is the Cover Honey for the February issue of Hustler Magazine and appears in a 14-page centerfold spread shot by Ellen Stagg.

SinfulXAI to Launch New AI Generator

AI companion platform SinfulXAI has announced its new AI video generator, launching in February.

Show More