This week, we saw pricing changes in streaming, without any new price hikes. Ahead of the Big Game this weekend, we also heard more about the battle for Sunday Ticket rights.
Here’s what happened in the world of cord cutting and streaming this week.
Breaking News
Here are some of the top streaming stories from the past week.
fuboTV Says Goodbye to Monthly Subscriptions
This week, fuboTV updated its pricing structure by taking away the option for monthly plans for new subscribers. Instead, fuboTV is requiring new users to sign up and prepay for quarterly plans. fubo says they’re experimenting with pricing, so no word yet on how long the quarterly plans will be the only option.
DIRECTV STREAM Says Hello to a 5 Day Free Trial
Ahead of some major sports events, DIRECTV STREAM finally added a free trial. New subscribers who sign up online can now test out the service before signing up for a monthly subscription. With other live TV streaming services taking away free trials, raising prices, or making subscribers lock in a 3 month minimum subscription, DIRECTV STREAM is starting to look like a more attractive option.
Disney+ Confirms Interest in Sunday Ticket
This week, Disney released subscriber numbers for each of its streaming service. In a post-report interview, Bob Chapek, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, mentioned again that Disney is in the running for Sunday Ticket rights when the current deal with DIRECTV expires after this season. They’re in for some touch competition from Amazon, Apple, and other big names.
More Free Content is Always a Good Thing
This week Roku added 25 more channels to its free streaming service, The Roku Channel. Highlights include classic game shows, true crime, and a dedicated channel for everyone’s favorite handyman – Bob the Builder.
Industry Report
What’s the latest on the industry?
Disney+ Tested Out its First Livestream
Disney live-streamed the Academy Awards nominations Tuesday morning, marking the first livestreamed event on Disney+. This shows us Disney’s interest in getting into the livestream game. We won’t be surprised to see some of Disney’s big events like D23 live on the streaming service.
Streaming Takes on Awards Season
Originals from Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+ and more are all nominated for Oscar Awards this year. Netflix’s The Power of the Dog starring Benedict Cumberbatch leads the streaming pack with 12 nominations, along with Being the Ricardos and Coda.
WarnerMedia Discovery Merger Gets Go-Ahead from FTC & Justice Dept
Their silence said everything. This week, the deadline for the FTC and DOJ to challenge the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery passed, giving the companies the go ahead to finalize their deal. AT&T CEO John Stankey recently moved up the expected completion date to Q2 and said that the company was making “final preparations” to complete the merger.
Video: How to Stream on The Road
Looking for tips for watching your favorite shows and movies away from home? This week, we’re sharing tips and equipment recommendations for streaming on the road. Check out the video, below.
