The Paradox of Choice
The major studios sabotaged the dream of a la carte programming and are now attempting to transform streaming into cable television via an ethernet connection instead of coaxial.
HBO Max
Yet Another AT&T Video Service
AT&T released its answer to subscriber losses with an all-new set-top service called AT&T TV, not to be confused with a plethora of other options. The basic package includes 100 channels.
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.
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.
UPDATED: Sundance Heats Up
After a slow start to the 35th annual Sundance Film Festival, the weekend produced a handful of sizable deals, including from Amazon Studios, Searchlight Pictures, and Lionsgate.
Sundance Slumps
Deal activity is muted so far at this year’s festival despite claims that producers and sales agents were withholding their best films at TIFF in September to introduce at Sundance.
Netflix Results Are In
Netflix missed its subscriber forecast in the US and Canada. Despite that, the streamer beat its overseas estimate of 7 million by adding 8.33 million.
Netflix Claims Originals Win Out
Netflix continues to publicize unsubstantiated claims that its original films and shows outperform third-party content contrary to all independent research.
Free Streaming Offers
Heavyweights Disney and Apple are offering free introductory offers to gain a head start over rivals. Select Verizon subscribers in the United States will get free access to Disney+ for a year.
Netflix Needs Content
Although Netflix remains committed to producing original content, it is preparing to license more content from independent producers and distributors.