Bundling Boom Continues for Streamers
By Movieguide® Contributor
Many streaming platforms are in the process of collaborating with other services to offer more “bundle” models to the public.
One such change is with Paramount + who “is looking to combine…with another service.”
MSN reported, “Such an arrangement would follow the formal announcement in February of Venu Sports, a joint sports offering consisting of Disney’s ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros.; Disney’s intra-studio attempt to create a mega-service to subscribers who ante up for its trio of services: Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+; and Disney’s collaboration plan with Warner Bros. on a bundle consisting of Disney+, Max and Hulu.”
Movieguide® previously reported on Venu Sports:
Disney, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery have unveiled the name of their new joint streaming venture: Venu Sports.
“We are excited to officially introduce Venu Sports, a brand that we feel captures the spirit of an all-new streaming home where sports fans outside of the traditional pay TV eco-system can experience an incredible collection of live sports, all in one place,” CEO Pete Distad said. “As preparations for the platform continue to accelerate, we are singularly focused on delivering a best-in-class product for our target audience, built from the ground up using the latest technologies to engage and entertain discerning sports fans wanting one-stop access to live games.”
ESPN reported that the streaming service “will bring together the companies’ portfolios of sports networks and certain direct to consumer services in a compelling new streaming sports service to allow underserved fans to get the most out of every game.”
In addition to combining with another service, Paramount+ is in the process of merging with Skydance Media. “The entertainment giant Paramount will merge with Skydance, closing out a decades-long run by the Redstone family in Hollywood and injecting desperately needed cash into a legacy studio that has struggled to adapt to a shifting entertainment landscape,” AP News said.
Chair of Paramount Global Shari Redstone spoke on the changes. “Given the changes in the industry, we want to fortify Paramount for the future while ensuring that content remains king,” she said.
Another bundle in the making is that of Disney+, Hulu and Max. Movieguide® reported:
“This new offering delivers for consumers the greatest collection of entertainment for the best value in streaming, and will help drive incremental subscribers and much stronger retention,” said JB Perrette, CEO and President, Global Streaming and Games, Warner Bros. Discovery.
“Among other things, the collaborative effort would put the two major comic-book rivals, Disney’s Marvel and Warner Bros.’ DC, together in a cooperative venture,” CNN reported.
Why are streamers bundling services? Simply put, it cuts costs for businesses and consumers. MSN explained, “The dream of a more a la carte system, where you pay for what you watch, has turned out to elusive, primarily because there’s no way — at least yet — to adopt that where the cost doesn’t become onerous, and maybe even prohibitive, for many consumers.”
- Content: +2Share:
- Content: +4