For the first time since the service arrived in April 2018, the ESPN+ annual plan is getting a price increase. From January 8th, it’ll cost new members $59.99 instead of $49.99. Existing annual subscribers will have until at least March 2nd to renew their plan for $50. From a report: The monthly plan went up by $1 to $5.99 in August,…
Tag: espn
Disney Will Test the Limits of ‘Franchise Fatigue’ in 2021 and 2022
An anonymous reader shares a report: In November 2019, just a few days after Disney+ launched, Netflix (NFLX) content chief (now co-CEO) Ted Sarandos, speaking at a Paley Center for Media event, said that Disney (DIS) is “bound by” its content universes, a reference mostly to Marvel and Star Wars. He continued: “I do think the risk of being bound in…
Disney+ Has More Than 73 Million Subscribers
Disney+, the streaming service that launched one year ago today, grew to 73.7 million paid subscribers as of early October. TechCrunch reports: That’s according to The Walt Disney Company’s fourth-quarter earnings report, which covers the company’s finances through October 3. The company previously said Disney+ had 60.5 million subscribers as of August 3. The release also includes subscriber numbers for Disney’s…
Spotify To Buy Podcast Ad Company Megaphone for $235 Million
Spotify’s making another big podcasting acquisition. The company said on Tuesday it has entered into an agreement to acquire ad tech company Megaphone in a $235 million deal. The companies declined to say whether the deal was in cash, stock or a mix of both. From a report: Megaphone offers technology for podcast publishers and advertisers seeking targeted slots on podcasts….
Disney+ Passes 60.5 Million Subs, Reaches 5-Year Streaming Goal In First Eight Months
In Disney’s earnings call today, CEO Bob Chapek said there are now 60.5 million global subscribers to Disney+, reaching the 60 million-90 million range it told investors it would get to by 2024. Deadline reports: He also said today that Mulan, long in limbo amid the COVID-19 pandemic, will debut September 24 on Disney+ for $24.99, a new wrinkle for the…
NBA Restart Plan Includes Using Oura Rings To Catch COVID-19 Symptoms
When the NBA restarts its season next month, it may pipe in crowd noise from the NBA 2K video game to help simulate fans in the arena. Another proposal is to have players use Oura’s smart rings to predict the onset of COVID-19 related symptoms. Engadget reports: According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the specifics were laid out in an…
Ad Firms Are Exploring Deepfaked Commercials
“With the pandemic having shut down production, companies are asking ad agencies to create commercials made up of digitally altered footage,” reports the New York Times, citing a State Farm commercial that aired during an ESPN documentary starring the anchor of “SportsCenter,” Kenny Mayne:
The producers made the commercial by layering video of Mr. Mayne’s 60-year-old mouth onto footage of his 38-year-old…
Why You’re Still Paying For Sports On Cable When There’s No Live Sports
An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: Cable-TV companies are still charging customers for sports channels even as the coronavirus pandemic forces the suspension of all major sports leagues. The continued charges include Regional Sports Network (RSN) fees, which often add almost $10 to customer bills in exchange for access to local professional and college live-sports broadcasts. But RSN…
Disney CEO Bob Iger Steps Down, Capping His Career With Disney Plus’ Epic Launch
Disney CEO Bob Iger stepped down as CEO today, effective immediately. “Iger — who spent his entire career at the company and will leave with Disney’s titanic transition to streaming with Disney Plus as the legacy capping his tenure — will remain chairman of the Walt Disney Company until the end of next year, and Disney’s head of parks, Bob Chapek,…
Billboards Love Streaming Wars Because That’s Where Ads End Up
Streaming services are the hottest thing in entertainment these days. But when it comes to getting the word out about the newest offerings, it’s traditional media that often benefits. From a report: Apple, Disney and other big tech and media giants are increasingly turning to outlets like TV, billboards and newspapers to promote their new online products. Spending on broadcast and…