In a major move, Disney is shutting down the standalone apps for some of its most popular TV networks, including ABC, Freeform, FX, and National Geographic. This means users will no longer be able to access these apps on smart TVs, streaming devices, and other platforms.
ABC: The ABC app previously provided access to 20+ free live TV channels, but this content will nOW only be available through the ABC website or by logging in with a TV provider.
Freeform, FX, and National Geographic: These standalone apps are also being discontinued, though some content may still be accessible through the Disney+ platform.
This change is part of Disney's broader strategy to consolidate and streamline its streaming services. The company is reportedly planning to overhaul the Disney+ app to integrate more live 24/7 channels, likely including some of the content that was previously available for free in the now-shuttered apps.
Bundling Disney+ with Other Services
In a related move, Disney is also reportedly exploring the idea of bundling Disney+ with other streaming services, similar to the successful Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle.
This strategy has already proven effective, with the Disney+/HBO Max bundle reportedly driving significant growth for HBO Max. Disney is now actively seeking partnerships to create similar bundled offerings, potentially with services like Paramount+.
The goal is to make Disney+ more appealing by packaging it with complementary content and services, while also encouraging customers to maintain their subscriptions by tying them to multiple platforms.
Direct TV Raising prices Amid Rising Content costs
In other industry news, Direct TV Stream and Direct TV satellite are both raising their prices. The ultimate plan from Direct TV Stream is increasing by $10 per month, to $129 per month.
The price hikes are largely attributed to the rising costs of content production and distribution. Factors like increased actor salaries, higher fuel and lumber prices for set construction, and overall inflation in the entertainment industry are driving up the costs that providers have to pass on to consumers.
This trend is likely to continue, as the costs of sports rights, local channels, and other must-have content continue to rise. It may further incentivize consumers to move towards more a la carte, on-demand streaming models to avoid the high costs of traditional pay-TV packages.
In a move to help support Dish Network's efforts to become a major wireless player, the FCC has granted the company an extension to complete its nationwide 5G network rollout.
Dish has been working to build out its own 5G network, rather than just reselling other providers' services. However, the company has struggled to raise the billions of dollars needed to finish the project on time.
The FCC's extension provides Dish with more time to complete the buildout, which is seen as a critical step in the company's efforts to establish itself as a viable fourth wireless carrier, competing with the likes of Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
While Dish has faced numerous challenges, including a major network hacking incident, the company's diversification efforts are viewed as forward-thinking. Transitioning from a satellite TV provider to a wireless network operator is a risky but potentially lucrative move as the pay-TV landscape continues to evolve.
Overall, these developments highlight the ongoing transformation of the media and telecommunicationsindustries, as providers work to adapt to changing consumer preferences, rising costs, and new technological opportunities.
Disney Shuts Down Popular TV Network Apps
In a major move, Disney is shutting down the standalone apps for some of its most popular TV networks, including ABC, Freeform, FX, and National Geographic. This means users will no longer be able to access these apps on smart TVs, streaming devices, and other platforms.
The affected networks include:
ABC: The ABC app previously provided access to 20+ free live TV channels, but this content will nOW only be available through the ABC website or by logging in with a TV provider.
Freeform, FX, and National Geographic: These standalone apps are also being discontinued, though some content may still be accessible through the Disney+ platform.
This change is part of Disney's broader strategy to consolidate and streamline its streaming services. The company is reportedly planning to overhaul the Disney+ app to integrate more live 24/7 channels, likely including some of the content that was previously available for free in the now-shuttered apps.
Bundling Disney+ with Other Services
In a related move, Disney is also reportedly exploring the idea of bundling Disney+ with other streaming services, similar to the successful Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle.
This strategy has already proven effective, with the Disney+/HBO Max bundle reportedly driving significant growth for HBO Max. Disney is now actively seeking partnerships to create similar bundled offerings, potentially with services like Paramount+.
The goal is to make Disney+ more appealing by packaging it with complementary content and services, while also encouraging customers to maintain their subscriptions by tying them to multiple platforms.
Direct TV Raising prices Amid Rising Content costs
In other industry news, Direct TV Stream and Direct TV satellite are both raising their prices. The ultimate plan from Direct TV Stream is increasing by $10 per month, to $129 per month.
The price hikes are largely attributed to the rising costs of content production and distribution. Factors like increased actor salaries, higher fuel and lumber prices for set construction, and overall inflation in the entertainment industry are driving up the costs that providers have to pass on to consumers.
This trend is likely to continue, as the costs of sports rights, local channels, and other must-have content continue to rise. It may further incentivize consumers to move towards more a la carte, on-demand streaming models to avoid the high costs of traditional pay-TV packages.
FCC grants Dish network Extension for 5G Buildout
In a move to help support Dish Network's efforts to become a major wireless player, the FCC has granted the company an extension to complete its nationwide 5G network rollout.
Dish has been working to build out its own 5G network, rather than just reselling other providers' services. However, the company has struggled to raise the billions of dollars needed to finish the project on time.
The FCC's extension provides Dish with more time to complete the buildout, which is seen as a critical step in the company's efforts to establish itself as a viable fourth wireless carrier, competing with the likes of Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
While Dish has faced numerous challenges, including a major network hacking incident, the company's diversification efforts are viewed as forward-thinking. Transitioning from a satellite TV provider to a wireless network operator is a risky but potentially lucrative move as the pay-TV landscape continues to evolve.
Overall, these developments highlight the ongoing transformation of the media and telecommunications industries, as providers work to adapt to changing consumer preferences, rising costs, and new technological opportunities.