NBCUniversal is reportedly considering making the ad-supported version of their upcoming streaming service Peacock free for all viewers according to a report from CNBC. This would make Peacock the first free streaming service from a major network.
Previous to this announcement, we heard that service would only be free for cable subscribers. The new plan may be to give everyone access to the ad-supported version for free with the possibility of ad-free tiers with a paid subscription. Sources say that the focus would be on the free, ad-supported tier, with the goal of bringing in more viewers and profiting from ad sales.
Last week, we learned that Peacock would be heavily ad-supported. NBC plans to run three to five minutes of ads for every hour of content, believing that they can earn $5 in ad revenue per user, per month.
The new streaming service is set to launch in April 2020 with a library of over 15,000 hours of content. The lineup includes some of NBC’s most well-known shows including The Office, Cheers, and Parks and Rec, as well as new original content including a reboot of Battlestar Galactica, an SNL docuseries, and new seasons of A.P Bio.
Other new streaming services are priced at $6.99/month for Disney+, $4.99/month for Apple TV+, and $14.99/month for HBO Max. While all are offering deals for extended free trials or subscriptions, none have announced free, ad-supported tiers at this time.
According to CNBC, a spokesperson for NBC did not offer a comment.
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