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

HotWife XO Makes Her WIFEY Debut

HotWife Xo has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY, alongside her husband Jack Spade and Troy Francisco.

Octavia Red Stars in Latest From Deeper

Octavia Red stars with Alex Jones and Parker Ambrose in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Deeper, titled "Memento Mori."

Connie Perignon Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Connie Perignon stars with Peter Fox in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Hot Hiker Humps Park Perv."

McKenzie Mae Makes Her Blacked Raw Debut

McKenzie Mae has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked Raw alongside Sly Diggler.

Evil Angel Releases Latest Volume of JD's 'Transgressive'

Evil Angel has debuted the 30th volume of director JD’s “Transgressive.”

FSC Publishes Guidance on New UK Pornography Laws

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published information for its members on the United Kingdom's recently passed pornography laws, which take effect next week.

Octavia Red Leads Latest From Bellesa Plus

Octavia Red stars alongside Codey Steele in the latest release from Bellesa Plus, titled “The Unmasking.”

Chloe Amour Leads Latest From Tushy Raw

Chloe Amour stars with Milan Ponjevic and Christian Clay in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Tushy Raw, directed by KGB.

Brazil Issues Guide to Digital Safety Compliance

Brazil’s National Data Protection Agency (ANPD) published on Wednesday a new guide outlining online providers’ child-protection responsibilities under the Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (Digital ECA), which requires adult websites to age-verify users located in Brazil.

Leigh Raven, Gal Ritchie Star in Latest From Kink.com

Gal Ritchie stars with Leigh Raven in the latest installment of Kink.com’s "Whipped Ass" series, titled "Oil-Soaked Slut."

Show More