AVOD Market Heats Up
Several media companies are holding discussions to acquire advertising-supported video streaming services. Fox Corp is in talks with Tubi, and NBCUniversal is considering Vudu.
AT&T
PayTV Subscriber Freefall
Traditional pay television subscribers are in freefall—the rate of subscribers canceling their service accelerated by more than 70% last year.
Cord-Cutting Gains Momentum
In the fourth quarter, two million US subscribers cut the cord on traditional television packages from AT&T, Comcast, Charter, and Verizon, up from 1.7 million in the third quarter.
Apple Considers MGM Buyout
After the abysmal start to Apple’s new streaming service, Apple TV+, the tech company is searching for relevance with a new leader and a possible strategic acquisition.
Hollywood Set to Own Theaters Again
The Department of Justice in the United States is preparing to allow Hollywood studios to own film theaters once again. This decision would reverse 70 years of anti-trust law that was implemented in 1948, which is known as the Paramount decrees.
New Details Emerge About HBO Max
AT&T’s WarnerMedia released details about its forthcoming streaming service HBO Max, which will officially launch in May 2020. The service will cost $14.99 a month, the same cost as HBO’s flagship service.
Cord Cutting Continues
During the second quarter, DirecTV’s traditional satellite service lost 778,000 subscribers and its streaming service DirecTV Now lost 168,000 accounts.
Hey Big Spenders
To woo subscribers away from Netflix, Disney, AT&T, and Apple are spending big bucks to produce original series content.
Rise of Online Television
Online-only television packages are getting pricier to the point that they’re approaching the same fees paid for traditional cable.
Up In Flames
Lionsgate lobbied to become the belle of the buyout ball last year in Hollywood, but Prince Charming never arrived.