Spectrum TV customers get AMC+ for free
AMC Networks and Charter Communications are finalizing a new distribution deal that will give Charter’s Spectrum TV customers AMC+ streaming service for free. AMC+ offers same-day access to the full catalog of original AMC series and complete access to AMC’s Shudder, Sundance Now and IFC Films Unlimited subscription streaming services. Spectrum customers will continue to get traditional AMC Networks including AMC Network, BBC America, IFC, SundanceTV, IFC and WE tv. Charter has already been building its distribution network from prior deals including Paramount+ Essential, Disney+ and ESPN+. This deal will potentially increase viewership for AMC+ which is important to their ad-supported businesses.
The Circana Take:
- As the number of pay TV subscribers continue to fall, deals such as this could help TV providers generate revenue from SVOD carriage deals.
Vizio introduces Sports Zone hub
Vizio is launching a new Sports Zone hub on its home page to help viewers find the games they want to watch. By compiling live broadcasts and on-demand content from multiple streaming apps into a single location, users will be able to stream games easier and faster. The hub will organize games by sport and will have event pages display all streaming options across available apps. Users can also create schedules by saving upcoming events to their personal watchlist allowing them to go directly to their Games Sports Watchlist row within Vizio Sports Zone or access from the My Watchlist row on the Vizio home page. This launch follows Vizio’s exclusive presentation of The Women’s Cup on WatchFree Plus.
The Circana Take:
- For viewers the timing seems right as we approach the fall sports season. For Vizio, this is likely an opportunity to generate revenue from home screen ads.
MLS Season Pass is free for Apple TV+ subscribers
Apple TV+ subscribers can now subscribe to MLS Season Pass for free for the remainder of the regular season which runs through October 19. The subscription includes full access to watch all the games and playoffs. This is a good deal for soccer fans as the regular price is $13/month for Apple TV+ subscribers. For non-subscribers, it costs $15/month or $10/month for the remainder of the season.
The Circana Take:
Big tech is now taking the lead leveraging sports rights to minimize churn and maximize subscriber acquisition by pulling an ace tactic from the cable TV playbook of the 1980s.