CNN+ signs with Roku
Just eleven days after launching, CNN+ inked a deal that puts its app on the Roku platform. Roku users will be able to sign up and watch the new $5.99/month CNN+ subscription service with an early-bird $2.99/month special in effect until April 26. The CNN app will also host the authenticated TV Everywhere CNN service, CNN International and HLN. The company has not yet announced deals for CNN+ support on Android TV, Google TV, Samsung smart TVs, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles.
The NPD Take:
- The lack of broad platform support at launch mitigated much of the potential value in the early-bird promotion. Adding Roku, among others will be critical to reach early subscriber growth.
- News brings daily viewership, a draw not inherent within HBO Max; as such, look for an integrated platform in the future.
Disney brings National Geographic and Disney+ together
National Geographic launched a new subscription deal with Disney+ called National Geographic Premium. It combines a Nat Geo digital membership, print issues from the publication and Disney+ into one offering. The service includes access to the app, exclusive subscriber newsletters and content, National Geographic’s annual “Year in Pictures” print issue and ten issues of Nat Geo Kids for annual subscribers. It costs $10.99/month or $109/year with an option for a two-year plan for $190.
The NPD Take:
- Staying true to its legacy, Disney is expanding its footprint beyond pure streaming bundles, leveraging its brands to expand reach.
IMDb TV Rebrands as Amazon Freevee
Amazon's free, ad-supported streaming service, IMDb TV, will be rebranded as "Amazon Freevee," on April 27. The service launched in January 2019 as IMDb Freedive and soon after rebranded as IMDb TV. Amazon is planning to expand Freevee original series by 70% this year including Bosch: Legacy, a spinoff of Amazon Prime Video’s original Bosch; home-design series Hollywood Houselift, the comedy series Sprung; and High School.
The NPD Take:
- The company’s differentiator will continue to reside in the ability to link Freevee with Prime. To date that link has been through UI integration with that now expanding into programming synergies.
- While the IMDb TV branding is somewhat secondary within the Prime interface, the multitude of branding changes does challenge the ability to grow viewer awareness and name recognition.