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Cord-Cutting News Roundup: ATSC 3.0, Fubo TV Lawsuit, MLB TV Rights, and More

In the rapidly evolving world of cord-cutting and streaming media, several significant developments have emerged. This article summarizes the key points from a recent "Cord Cutting Today" news roundup.

ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) Faces Uncertain Future

The transition to ATSC 3.0, also known as NextGen TV, is facing significant challenges that could jeopardize its future:

  • A patent lawsuit against LG, a leading manufacturer of TVs with ATSC 3.0 tuners, has resulted in LG halting production of these TVs.
  • Other manufacturers have also reduced their production of TVs with ATSC 3.0 tuners.
  • Pearl TV, the group behind ATSC 3.0, has filed a supportive brief in LG's appeal, warning that if the Verdict isn't overturned, it could threaten the future of over-the-air television.
  • Unlike with ATSC 1.0, the FCC did not create a patent pool for ATSC 3.0, leading to conflicts with patent holders.
  • If LG loses its appeal, there are concerns that TV manufacturers may widely drop ATSC 3.0 tuners to avoid potential lawsuits.

Despite these challenges, ATSC 3.0 offers benefits such as improved coverage area and the potential for more channels. However, criticisms persist regarding the implementation of digital Rights Management (DRM) in the standard.

Fubo TV to Release Confidential Carriage Agreements

In a significant move for transparency in the streaming industry:

  • Fubo TV has announced its intention to release confidential documents related to carriage deals with major networks like Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery.
  • This release could provide unprecedented insight into how these deals are structured and negotiated.
  • The decision comes as part of Fubo's ongoing lawsuit against these networks over their joint venture sports streaming service.
  • The documents could reveal details about pricing, clauses, and other contractual elements that have previously been kept secret.

Major League Baseball Seeks Wider National Availability

Amid the bankruptcy of regional sports networks, MLB is looking to change its approach to TV rights:

  • MLB has expressed a desire to make its games more widely available on a national level.
  • This could mean more games streaming online or airing on national television networks.
  • The league faces challenges in balancing this goal with the profitability of existing TV contracts.
  • It remains to be seen how MLB will navigate the transition while maintaining its revenue streams.

Other Notable Updates

  • Pluto TV has added five new channels, including several Spanish-language options.
  • MeTV is bringing back its annual Halloween programming event.
  • DirecTV Stream is rolling out an enhanced user experience, including custom profiles with unique DVRs and content recommendations for each household member.

These developments highlight the ongoing evolution of the cord-cutting landscape, with changes in technology, legal battles, and content distribution strategies aLL playing significant roles in shaping the future of television and streaming services.