Disney+ adds more live channels
Disney+ is adding four more live channels as it expands its live programming offering. The new channels are Hallowstream (focusing on Halloween), Hits & Heroes (a compilation of stories from Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars), Throwbacks (nostalgic pop culture content), and Real Life (traditional documentaries, biopics, and true stories). Two months ago, they launched live channels ABC News and Disney+ Playtime. The new channels can only be accessed by Disney+ subscribers. This is on the heels of a price increase for Disney+, Hulu and select bundles later this month.
The Circana Take:
- Adding live content has proven successful for Disney+, and this could further increase viewership and better position Disney in a saturated market. Notably, The Disney Channel has been staple cable channel for years and this migration back to live programming feels quite retro.
New FAST sports platform launches
New FAST startup Free Live Sports launched in the U.S. offering 68 free channels, plus 34 more coming by the end of October. Channels include Goal TV, Hoop TV, Homerun TV, Mike Tyson TV, Tennis Channel, Golf News Network as well as niche channels such as Foosball TV, ACL Cornhole TV, World Chase Tag. Free Live Sports is available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV connected TV devices, and Vizio smart TVs, Android and iOS mobile devices.
The Circana Take:
- As many streaming services continue to raise subscription costs, viewers have been adopting free streaming TV. Following the trend, this service could entice fans of niche, sports.
CNN begins charging frequent users
CNN started to ask frequent users to pay $3.99/month or $29.99/year for unlimited access to its website. Those who only read a few articles a month will not be impacted, although the breakpoint in terms of the number of free articles has not been revealed. Paid subscribers will also receive exclusive election features, original documentaries, a curated daily selection of articles and fewer digital ads. Content that remains free includes the CNN homepage; breaking news live stories; standalone video pages; and sponsored articles. CNN previously developed a streaming service in 2022 called CNN+, but it was cancelled soon after launch.
The Circana Take:
- CNN is (again) trying new ways to boost digital revenue and offset declines in cable TV. To compete against news rivals such as CBS, NBC and ABC, CNN will most likely need to add video newscasts. But it remains to be seen how many readers will pay given the magnitude of free options available.