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

Polish Government Proposes AV Mandate for Adult Sites

Poland’s Council of Ministers on Tuesday endorsed a proposed national law that would require sites and platforms to age-verify users to prevent minors from accessing adult content online.

Charlotte Sins, Aiden Ashley Front Latest Installment of 'The Yes List'

Charlotte Sins and Aiden Ashley star with Oliver Flynn in the latest installment of Adult Time series "The Yes List," titled "The Origin of the Throuple."

Brazil Launches Complaints Page for AV Violations, Other Issues

Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) on Monday debuted a portal where citizens can report possible violations of the country’s Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (Digital ECA), which requires adult websites to age-verify users located in Brazil.

FSC Launches 'Speak Out' Media Campaign for Creators

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has announced the launch of FSC Speak Out, a media campaign for content creators to tell their stories.

Pineapple Support, Stripchat to Host LGBTQ Support Group

Pineapple Support and Stripchat are hosting a free online support group for LGBTQ+ individuals within the adult industry, titled "LGBTQ and Proud."

Texas Patti Leads Latest From Evil Angel

Texas Patti stars with multi-XMAs winner Mick Blue in the latest release from Evil Angel.

Lilly Bell, Lily Labeau Front Latest Release From TeamSkeet

XMAs winner Lilly Bell stars with Lily Labeau and Donnie Rock in the latest scene from TeamSkeet’s “Brat Tamer” series, titled “Band Brat Gets a Spanking.”

Raissa Bellini Makes Her MILFY Debut

Raissa Bellini has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint MILFY, alongside 2025 XMAs Male Performer of the Year Alex Jones.

Octavia Red Stars in Hentaied Pro's Latest Interactive Release

Reigning XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Octavia Red stars in Hentaied Pro’s latest all-girl interactive release, titled "Lady Seraphine."

Penthouse Names Coco Star June's 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named creator Coco Star as Pet of the Month for June.

Show More