Hulu Live TV and Fubo to Merge

[b4pjoe]

Under the deal, Fubo and Hulu + Live TV will remain available to subscribers via their respective platforms, with Hulu + Live TV available on the Hulu app and remaining a part of the Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+ bundle. Fubo will likewise retain its app.

So as explained in the quote above it seems like the two services will be merged into one service but it can be accessed though either the Hulu app or the Fubo app but they will be the same on both platforms.

Disney’s Hulu + Live TV service and Fubo to merge in surprise deal ending Venu lawsuit

 

[glrush]

Venu Sports reportedly 'hopes' to debut in time for Super Bowl after settlement

After Disney and Fox settled with Fubo, the launch of Venu Sports can move forward, and the company reportedly hopes to launch within a month.

awfulannouncing.com

 

[cpalmer2k]

Venu Sports reportedly 'hopes' to debut in time for Super Bowl after settlement

After Disney and Fox settled with Fubo, the launch of Venu Sports can move forward, and the company reportedly hopes to launch within a month.

awfulannouncing.com

I hope it happens this time. Given YouTube TV's recent price increases the $43 price is a good deal if you're just looking for sports primarily.

 

[Joe The Dragon]

I hope it happens this time. Given YouTube TV's recent price increases the $43 price is a good deal if you're just looking for sports primarily.

Comcast and others need force ESPN / disney to allow them to take ESPN out of basic packages. Also cut down OTA fees to what venu is paying.

 

[Bruce]

Comcast and others need force ESPN / disney to allow them to take ESPN out of basic packages.

That will never happen, if Providers were to get rid of ESPN, they are risking an exodus from the services.

For example, during DirecTV’s dispute in the 3rd Quarter with Disney/ESPN, rumors are, about a million subscribers left

DirecTV had 10.1 million subscribers at the end of 2Q24, with the losses of the 3rd and 4th Quarters, they are now under 9 Million, close to 8 Million, partly because of losing ESPN.

https://www.fitchratings.com/research/corporate-finance/fitch-removes-directv-from-rating-watch-negative-affirms-bb-rating-27-11-2024

Also cut down OTA fees to what venu is paying.

And how much is that?

I really believe you do not have answer to that question.

As someone who just retired from the industry, per sub fees from the Networks are not as high as you believe, there is a certain Provider, that is making a nifty profit on those fees.

 

[Joe The Dragon]

That will never happen, if Providers were to get rid of ESPN, they are risking an exodus from the services.

For example, during DirecTV’s dispute in the 3rd Quarter with Disney/ESPN, rumors are, about a million subscribers left

DirecTV had 10.1 million subscribers at the end of 2Q24, with the losses of the 3rd and 4th Quarters, they are now under 9 Million, close to 8 Million, partly because of losing ESPN.

https://www.fitchratings.com/research/corporate-finance/fitch-removes-directv-from-rating-watch-negative-affirms-bb-rating-27-11-2024

And how much is that?

I really believe you do not have answer to that question.

As someone who just retired from the industry, per sub fees from the Networks are not as high as you believe, there is a certain Provider, that is making a nifty profit on those fees.

so ESPN can have it's own stand alone thing? but cable co are forced to have ESPN + Disney channel in all basic plans? Even if you don't want ESPN but want other cable channels?

If ESPN can go standalone then they become like HBO on cable.

 

[Bruce]

so ESPN can have it's own stand alone thing? but cable co are forced to have ESPN + Disney channel in all basic plans?

No one is forced, Live TV Providers can give up those channels once the contract is over.

But why it is not a good idea, was just proven during the DirecTV/Disney dispute.

During the 3rd Quarter, all Streaming Live TV Providers had subscribers gains, Sling, Hulu Live, Fubo and YTTV, a lot from those leaving DirecTV, because they did not wish to miss out on College/Pro Football.

Even if you don't want ESPN but want other cable channels?

Yes.

If ESPN can go standalone then they become like HBO on cable.

ESPN Streaming plans, are to go after those without Paid Live TV, which, by the end of 2025, will outnumber those with Paid Live TV, so it is a good business decision to offer services, to now 63 Million Households, while continuing to receive per sub fees from, currently, 68 Million Households.

Will that cause more to leave Paid Live TV, yes, how many, I have no idea.

Not offering it, would not stop cord cutting, that ship has sailed, Cable/Satellite lost 8 Million subs in 2023 (2 million were picked up by YTTV), so 6 Million left last year.

Expected to be largely the same in 2024, once 4th quarter numbers are released.