Enhanced Data Reporting Through Prediction Markets
CNN announced a significant step to enhance its data reporting on Tuesday by establishing a partnership with Kalshi. This collaboration will integrate real-time prediction market probabilities into CNN's programming and newsroom systems. The agreement includes access to Kalshi's forecasting feeds across political, cultural, and economic events, which CNN stated will facilitate clearer reporting on evolving expectations. This move by CNN coincides with a period of rapid growth for Kalshi and a broader increase in interest in market-based forecasting within the media sector.
Integration of Kalshi Data into CNN's Workflow
The partnership grants CNN direct access to Kalshi's live probabilities, which will now be incorporated into segments analyzing elections, policy changes, and cultural events. Harry Enten, CNN's chief data analyst, will oversee the integration, continuing his work of comparing polling trends with other real-time indicators. His responsibilities will include utilizing Kalshi's odds as an additional data point for assessing political movements and public sentiment.
CNN also intends to feature a Kalshi-powered ticker during segments that utilize prediction market data. This ticker will display live changes in expectations as traders respond to new developments, aiming to provide viewers with a more immediate understanding of how event probabilities shift during dynamic news cycles.
Furthermore, CNN's newsroom and production teams will have access to Kalshi's comprehensive data catalogue. This access will assist graphics teams in developing updated visuals and help editors monitor rising or falling expectations tied to national political events. The integration aligns with broader newsroom initiatives focused on strengthening real-time context in reporting.
Growth and Traction of Prediction Markets
The increasing interest in prediction markets this year provides crucial context for CNN's decision. Kalshi, operating as the largest federally regulated exchange in this domain, records trading activity on elections, economic indicators, cultural events, and weather outcomes. According to Kalshi, reporters and analysts have been utilizing these markets to compare traditional polling data with market-driven probability signals.
Rival exchange Polymarket has also seen expansion. Its CEO, Shayne Coplan, recently stated on CBS News' 60 Minutes that prediction markets represent "the most accurate thing we have as mankind" for forecasting future events. Despite this growing acceptance, the industry continues to face scrutiny.
Kalshi has been involved in a nationwide class-action lawsuit accusing the company of operating an unlicensed sports betting service. This case has contributed to ongoing discussions surrounding market-based forecasting and its regulatory boundaries.
Notwithstanding these challenges, prediction markets have gained significant traction among financial platforms. Major entities such as Google Finance, Yahoo Finance, Robinhood, and Intercontinental Exchange have partnered with event-driven data providers this year, illustrating the growing influence of these markets on mainstream financial reporting.
Kalshi's Momentum in Funding, Tools, and Regulation
CNN's announcement follows Kalshi's recent revelation of a $1 billion Series E funding round, which elevated its valuation to $11 billion. The round was led by Paradigm with participation from existing investors. Kalshi has indicated that this funding will be instrumental in expanding its market catalogue and accelerating the development of its blockchain tools.
The company now supports SEI for enhanced trading speeds utilizing USDC. Future plans include the introduction of tokenized markets on Solana, thereby increasing accessibility for users who prefer mobile wallets or blockchain-based participation. This year, Kalshi has recorded over 127,000 active markets and achieved $580 million in trading volume.
Wallet-native trading is also experiencing growth. Trust Wallet has begun launching on-chain prediction tools through Myriad Markets, with Kalshi integrations anticipated in early 2026. Concurrently, regulatory developments in Nevada and New Jersey have led to the easing of restrictions on Kalshi's election markets.
A Nevada court lifted an injunction on December 2, enabling Kalshi to continue its operations. With a stabilizing regulatory landscape and CNN's entry as a new distribution partner, Kalshi's data is poised to reach a considerably wider national audience.
In summary, CNN's adoption of Kalshi strengthens its real-time reporting capabilities across political and cultural coverage. This agreement provides newsroom teams with access to fast-moving probability signals that complement existing reporting tools. The development also occurs at a time when Kalshi is experiencing market expansion, securing significant funding, and achieving regulatory successes, positioning its data for broader integration into mainstream news outlets.