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Streaming Industry News Roundup: DirectTV-Disney Deal, merger Talks, and More

In a recent "Core Cutting Today" video, several significant developments in the streaming and TV industry were discussed. Here's a comprehensive summary of the key points:

DirectTV Reaches Deal with Disney

DirectTV has struck a deal with Disney that brings significant changes to their service offerings:

  1. Disney's streaming services (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+) will be bundled into DirectTV packages, similar to Spectrum's recent offering.
  2. The agreement allows DirectTV to create smaller, cheaper packages focused on specific genres like sports, entertainment, and news.
  1. Disney's linear channels have returned to DirectTV.
  2. DirectTV customers will have access to the upcoming ESPN streaming service at no additional cost.

This deal is seen as a potential win for consumers, although the specifics of pricing and channel lineups are yet to be revealed. The agreement could set a precedent for DirectTV's negotiations with other content providers.

DirectTV and Dish Merger Talks

Bloomberg reported that DirectTV and Dish are in active merger talks. The potential merger is driven by the challenges both companies face due to cord-cutting:

  • Both satellite TV providers are losing millions of customers annually to streaming services.
  • The merger could be more likely now than in previous years due to the shrinking satellite TV market.
  • The rise of high-speed Internet options, including Starlink and upcoming services from companies like Amazon, is further threatening traditional satellite TV services.

Fubo Antitrust Lawsuit

Fubo's antitrust lawsuit against Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery has been scheduled for trial:

  • The trial is set to begin on October 6, 2025.
  • Fubo is suing to block a joint sports streaming venture by these companies, which they claim would bypass their service.
  • The lawsuit may result in the release of internal documents and contracts from the defendants.

Other Industry News

  1. Google TV has added the Roku Channel to its search recommendations, allowing users to find free content more easily.
  2. The future of ATSC 3.0 (Next Gen TV) is uncertain due to ongoing lawsuits and patent issues. However, the technology is currently available in most of the country.
  3. Netflix is ending support for iOS 16, which will affect users with older iPhones and iPads that cannot upgrade to iOS 17.
  4. Pluto TV added six new channels last week, including some Spanish-language options.

These developments highlight the ongoing evolution of the streaming and TV landscape, with traditional providers adapting to changing consumer preferences and new technologies reshaping the industry.