In the ViacomCBS earnings call this week, CEO Bob Bakish shared that the company is planning to make some big changes to CBS All Access. The changes will center around building up the content library and
ViacomCBS has been planning on making this update for some time, talking about the idea of creating a “new” service by expanding CBS All Access in their last earnings call in February. At that time, the company discussed adding films and series to the library, along with a focus on entertainment, news, and sports.
At the time, the company said that a “soft launch” of the updated service would take place sometime in 2020. Now, it sounds like those plans to make CBS All Access a more robust service are underway. With ViacomCBS noting that they’ve seen a “a strong acceleration” in both their paid and free services, it’s likely that the update is being pushed forward ahead of schedule to meet the demand for more content.
“We will build on this incredible base of content, a catalog multiple times larger than many of the new SVOD entrants, by expanding our originals slate across the portfolio,” Bakish said on the call. “This will bring first-window content from each of our brands to this platform. Our biggest franchises will be key to this strategy, as will our broad programming strength across genres, from animation to science fiction, comedy, reality, kids, crime procedurals and more.”
Kicking off the update, CBS All Access has added over 100 Paramount films to its content library, including The Godfather trilogy, Airplane, Pretty in Pink, and more movies from the Star Trek franchise.
Adding to the lineup, CBS All Access will gain local and national news from CBS affiliates and what ViacomCBS has called “a critical mass of live sports” from leagues including NFL, NCAA, PGA and UEFA.
“Expanding CBS All Access’ library of films with these iconic titles from Paramount Pictures is just one of the many ways we’re integrating the phenomenal catalog of IP available to us within the ViacomCBS family,” said Julie McNamara, Executive Vice President & Head of Programming, CBS All Access. “The service is on a growth trajectory with two record-breaking months in March and April, and we look forward to bringing even more premium content and value to our subscribers in the coming months.”
It’s clear that ViacomCBS is using its massive portfolio of networks and content to turn CBS All Access into a stronger streaming service to compete in the ever-growing space. With HBO Max launching this month and Peacock launching nationwide this summer, viewers will decide which service they prefer and how much they’re willing to pay.
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