Sling TV loses subscribers
For years, Dish’s vMVPD Sling TV has been helping offset Satellite TV subscriber loses. But, that streak ended in Q4 ’19 as the live streaming TV service recorded a net loss of approximately 94,000, representing a first-ever subscriber decline. The decrease at Sling TV is likely due to increased competition from direct competitors YouTube & Hulu TV as well as carriage disputes that created programming gaps.
The NPD Take:
- Sling TV is facing stiff competition as streaming services YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are closing in with YouTube TV now reporting more than 2 million subscribers and Hulu + Live TV now has 3.2 million subscribers. Sling TV could benefit from re-evaluate its distribution strategy to bolster net adds.
- While Sling has avoided carrying local channels to keep prices down, it has not carried regional Fox Sports networks since a recent falling out with its new owner Sinclair. Regaining regional sports would likely recapture the lost audience.
Redbox Enters the AVOD Market
Redbox made its official launch this past week for its new streaming video service Free Live TV and has plans to significantly expand its lineup throughout 2020. The launch includes nearly 30 channels – three Redbox branded channels and a partner lineup. However, the programming isn’t that unique as its powered by Xumo which viewers can access directly or through smart TV integrations. That said, Redbox plans to add another 10 channels each month, which would give it over 100 channels by year end. Incumbent competitors such as Pluto TV have leveraged their own programming (CBSViacom assets) to differentiate their offering. It remains to be seen how Redbox intends to stand out from the crowd.
The NPD Take:
- Crowded. Everyone is jumping into free streaming video. These services won’t stand on their own, as such it will be of tantamount importance for Redbox to cross promote to their kiosk customers and differentiate their available content.
- A good fit. Free streaming resonates with value orientated customers such as those looking for a low cost DVD rental. In that regard, the offering is a good match for Redbox
ViacomCBS Plans a More Robust Streaming Service
After experiencing a loss in the first earnings report since their merger, ViacomCBS announced expanding CBS All Access to include a broader spectrum of content from the merged ViacomCBS organization. This will include programming such as Comedy Central, Paramount Network, BET, and MTV among others. The idea is to create a suite of streaming services from free streaming through PlutoTV, the new All Access and premium Showtime app. If executed as such this will be a divergence from Disney, Warner and NBC who are sinking most of their assets into a single streaming service.
The NPD Take:
- CBS All Access was a pioneer, but to keep growing amidst increasing competition a change such as this is critical.
- Launching multiple services may prove challenging with the overload of options in the market. A strategy that simplifies or even integrates the UI for those subscribing to more than one would be beneficial.