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

VMG Debuts New Series 'WIFEY Vacay'

Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY has premiered its international series "WIFEY Vacay."

Lilly Bell, Gypsy Rose Lead Latest From Digital Playground

XMA winner Lilly Bell stars with Gypsy Rose and Logan Xander in the latest release from Digital Playground, titled "The Hostages."

Juliana Marie, Hope Fontaine Star in Latest From TeamSkeet

Juliana Marie and Hope Fontaine star with Peter King in the latest installment of the TeamSkeet series "Brat Tamer."

Luxembourg Media Regulator Fines LiveJasmin for AV Noncompliance

The Luxembourg Independent Audiovisual Authority (ALIA) has levied a fine of 25,000 euros (approximately $28,000) against webcam platform LiveJasmin for failing to comply with provisions of the country’s Electronic Media Law.

AdultHTML Introduces Subscription Option for Website Owners

AdultHTML has added a subscription option for its web development service, allowing site owners to pay a monthly fee for access to developers and tools.

French Parliament Rejects Ban on Purchase of 'Remote' Sexual Services

The French National Assembly has backed off from a proposal to criminalize the purchase, and/or facilitation by online platforms, of sexual services performed remotely by streamers and custom content creators.

2027 XBIZ Exec Awards Pre-Nominations Period Opens

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the pre-nomination period for the 2027 XBIZ Exec Awards, the adult industry’s preeminent career honors, begins Wednesday and runs through Oct. 14.

Takedown Piracy Reports Infiltration, Monitoring of 'Mega.nz' Pirated Content

Takedown Piracy has reported that the organization has successfully infiltrated Mega.nz folders and identified and removed nearly two million instances of stolen content.

Suki Sin Leads Latest From MYLF

Suki Sin stars with Troy Francisco in the latest release from the MYLF series "MYLF Singles."

Sophia Locke, Rachael Cavalli Star in Latest From Girlsway

Reigning XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Sophia Locke stars with Rachael Cavalli in the latest release from Girlsway, titled "The Next Chapter of Our Lives."

Show More