Sinclair plans new streaming launch
Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc. plans to unveil a new streaming service by June that will let fans watch games from MLB, NBA and NHL teams in their local market without paying for cable. Sinclair owns 21 local sports channels but still doesn't have the rights from all the teams. So far, the NBA and the NHL have given Sinclair their approval, but MLB has resisted. Sinclair only has the rights to air five MLB teams and must buy the streaming rights from the other teams as their TV contracts expire. The current MLB labor lockout has already delayed the season which means Sinclair won’t have any baseball games to show on its new service.
The NPD Take:
- This new service would likely attract sports fans who are looking to cut the cord, but as baseball season gets underway, the MLB lockout will dampen signups.
- It will be challenging convincing avid sports fans who subscribe to cable to switch, since many games are only available through cable.
CNN+ & Paramount+ promotions
CNN+ will make its debut this spring priced at $5.99/month or $59.99/year. Those who sign up within the first four weeks will get 50% off the monthly plan for life if they remain subscribers. CNN will have a single app where CNN+ customers can explore a range of new live, on-demand and interactive content. Pay TV customers can keep using the same TVE experience that includes access to CNN’s linear TV feeds of CNN, CNN International and HLN along with a substantial on-demand offering.
Paramount+ celebrates its one-year anniversary with an attractive deal for new and returning customers. Through March 7, customers can get Paramount+ Essential for $1 per month and Paramount+ Premium for $2 per month – both for the first three months. Paramount+ Premium includes the same features as the Essential plan, but also throws in live access to your local CBS station, no ads (except live TV and select shows), and the ability to download your shows to watch later.
The NPD Take:
- Expect promotions to increase with increased streaming competition as pandemic fueled viewership wanes.
- The next step will be more bundles to tie in the companies range of services, e.g. HBO Max, CNN+ & Discovery+.
Disney+ Launching Ad-Supported Service in Late 2022
Disney reported that it will launch a version of its Disney+ streaming service with ads in the U.S. later this year as the company looks to attract new subscribers. Disney has been investing in its advertising technology and already has the largest ad-supported streaming service with Hulu. A specific launch date and pricing information hasn’t yet been announced.
The NPD Take:
- Generally, when given the choice, two-thirds of viewers select the lower priced ad-supported option. As such, the lower priced point of entry is likely to attract new subscribers.