Discovery+ debuts DTC lifestyle programming
Discovery debuted its direct-to-consumer platform across most major OTT distribution platforms last week. The new service includes fan favorite networks and shows including HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, Discovery as well as the newly launched Chip and Joanna Gaines’ network Magnolia. In addition to regular programming, the service will be home to over 50 original and exclusive programs. The service offers two different pricing options, an ad-supported version for $4.99 and ad-free option for $6.99. Some Verizon customers will be able to get a year of the service for free.
The NPD Take:
- Discovery Networks has some of the most popular channels on television. Launching their own DTC solution makes yet another cable and satellite TV staple available outside of the bundle. Little is left exclusive to pay TV.
- This isn’t just for Discovery networks, the company will also be distributing A+E programming turning them from a content owner to a true distributor.
Roku lands Quibi originals
Roku acquired the rights to most of Quibi’s original programming. The move brings over 75 high-quality original shows for free to the ad-supported Roku Channel. For Quibi, the deal will help the company recoup some of the production costs on these shows and provide a broad distribution outlet for the premium programming. The deal covers the seven-year licensing rights to the shows.
The NPD Take:
- The deal gives Roku new original content to keep their user base engaged with the Roku Channel while further driving ad revenues.
- Differentiation is among the key things needed to further the success of free streaming services that mostly offer similar programming.
Roku hits another milestone
Roku announced preliminary fourth quarter results indicating the streaming provider reaches over 50 million active accounts and nearly 62 million US viewers now have access to the ad-supported Roku Channel. Additionally, they reported that viewers watched over 59 billion hours of content for the year, a +55% increase versus last year. The announcement puts Roku’s active base neck and neck with Amazon’s FireTV.
The NPD Take:
- Roku’s availability through streaming media players, TVs and soundbars has driven appeal to a large user base helping to drive a significant increase in activations.
- Roku doesn’t just reach over 50m homes, they have the largest installed base within the home. The average Roku household has 1.7 Roku devices, more than any other TV operating system.