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

Rachael Cavalli, Manuel Ferrara Lead Latest From Jules Jordan

Rachael Cavalli stars with multi-XMAs winner Manuel Ferrara in the latest release from Jules Jordan.

Penny Barber Stars in Latest From Kink.com

2025 XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Penny Barber stars with Scarlette Moon in the latest installment of Kink.com's "Whipped Ass" series, titled "Deep Inside the Splash Zone."

Lauren Phillips Fronts Latest From MYLF

2024 XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Lauren Phillips stars with Nick Strokes in the latest release from MYLF, titled “Sweat, Cum, and Glory: Lauren’s Sexy Aerobics Routine.”

Nikita Bellucci Stars in Dorcel's 'M.I.L.F.S. Vol. 4'

Nikita Bellucci headlines the latest feature from Dorcel, titled “M.I.L.F.S. Vol. 4.”

Ashley Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Creator Ashley stars with her husband Kyle and Lil D in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Jennifer White, Vanna Bardot Headline Jonni Darkko's 3rd 'POV Anal Sluts'

Vanna Bardot and newly crowned XMAs Female Performer of the Year Jennifer White topline director Jonni Darkko’s third volume of “POV Anal Sluts,” from Evil Angel.

Leana Lovings Stars in Latest From Elegant Angel

Leana Lovings stars with Alex Legend in the debut episode of Elegant Angel’s new series “Demure Girls,” titled “Pillow Talk with Leana Lovings.”

'SheHerGirls' Launches Through Paysite.com

The braintrust behind PoleVixens has officially launched a new membership site, SheHerGirls, also through Paysite.com.

Angela White, Madison Ivy Lead New Threesome From Brazzers

Multi-XMAs winner Angela White and Madison Ivy star with Ricky Johnson in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Couple or Throuple?”

FTC Invites Public Comment on 'Click to Cancel' Rulemaking

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced this week that it is seeking public comment on whether it should amend its Negative Option Rule to better address deceptive or unfair practices.

Show More