The idea is coming from Viacom Inc, Discovery Communications Inc. and AMC Networks Inc to launch the new service. The idea is to reach potential subscribers who do not want sports and it is rumored to cost $20 a month. It would also mean networks like Viacom would get a bigger cut than they do from current live TV streaming service. Sports-free TV would cost less than $20 a month, according to Bloomberg.
New online entertainment-only TV packages could break deals that major media companies like Disney and 21st Century Fox Inc. have with cable and satellite providers, according to Michael Nathanson, an analyst at MoffettNathanson LLC.
Those deals require that their networks be part of the most popular bundles or that a certain share of subscribers must receive their programming. Likely meaning you at minimal wouldn’t see Disney and Fox on the service also meaning you likely will not find any local channels as all local channels now also own a sports network.
So the question is can a live TV service without live events like sports. Many analysts are pointing out that many subscribers to pay-TV do so for live events. Especially with Sling TV costing $20 a month, and PlayStation Vue costing $30 a month.
In 2016 most of the 100 most watch programs of 2016 was sports related. You have to go all the ways down to #73 to find The Walking Dead before you find a show that is not sports or on broadcast TV.
Yet there is a group of executives who think they can find a market for this service.
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