YouTube TV & NBCUniversal reach new deal
YouTube and NBCUniversal have agreed to a new carriage agreement that prevented NBCUniversal’s broadcast and cable channels from going dark on the vMVPD service. At risk were 14 channels including popular ones like NBC, USA Network, Golf Channel, Bravo and Telemundo.
The NPD Take:
- The deal keeps many popular channels as part of the YouTube TV portfolio which otherwise would have left a major gap in the service and resulted in having to cut the overall price of the service to customers and risking losing customers altogether.
- Carriage disputes will likely continue to be a sticking point between distributors and network owners especially in a tight market for linear TV customers.
Redbox partners with Roku and Walmart
Redbox has signed a promotional agreement with Roku. From now until mid-2022, consumers who purchase a Walmart-exclusive Roku player will receive a $5 code to be used for movie rentals on the Redbox app. The promotion will also bring awareness to free streaming content available on the Redbox app.
The NPD Take:
- Redbox is trying to reinvent itself by partnering with one of the largest streaming device brands as it tries to transition from its core of physical media to digital.
- While Redbox has a large customer base built largely off their retail kiosks, shifting the focus to digital and streaming will be challenging given the crowded market of other streaming and digital platforms.
Netflix acquires gaming studio Night School
Netflix has acquired gaming studio Night School, creators of the game “Oxenfree”, as it continues to take steps toward entering the video game space. Over the last few months, Netflix has increased its focus on the gaming sector, including hiring a new executive to lead the initiative.
The NPD Take:
- Netflix leaning into gaming is another mechanism for increased engagement with the platform and its IP while driving value to subscribers.
- It will be interesting to see how Netflix’s video game ambitions play out and if subscribers will truly find value in having games tied to some of their favorite shows or movies.