Inside The Stream

Disney+ and Hulu dropped Apple’s App Store, IAB Tech Lab is driving new CTV ad standards, Fubo is offering premium sports services, and streamers are partnering with grocers.

Bloomberg Screentime interviews highlighted Amazon's dominance in streaming distribution, while Comcast seemed indifferent to cable TV despite NBCU's reliance on it.

Google’s Rob Caruso joins us to discuss key new features in Google TV and the new Streamer device. Can smart home and photo integration boost the TV OS’s market share?

Jonathan Carson, CEO and co-founder of Antenna, shares insights into the booming specialty SVOD landscape, revealing its impressive growth and how it's heavily reliant on Amazon Channels. He discusses the challenges faced by niche services, including subscriber retention and churn rates compared to premium platforms. The conversation also covers the recent DirecTV and Dish merger and its implications for the pay-TV market, alongside addressing the launch of a new FAST sports streaming service aimed at diverse sporting content.

Google and Roku have launched new streaming devices, igniting competition in the market. Disney's new paid sharing policy limits access outside households, raising eyebrows on subscriber retention. Netflix is venturing into the sports arena, exploring live rights as industry dynamics shift. Meanwhile, FAST viewing metrics are being scrutinized, with efforts to improve transparency in data sharing among services. Insights on subscription strategies and consumer preferences add to the lively discussion.

YouTube is revamping its CTV app to emulate best practices in SVOD apps and launching a series of AI features for creators that will drive better viewer experiences.

Four topics this week: IAB raised its 2024 CTV outlook, movies continue hitting headwinds, the impact of the Charter-AMC+ deal, and Amazon jumps into NextGen TV.

Disney's blackout on DirecTV sparks major discussions about declining customer focus. The partnership between the Tennis Channel and Lingopal.ai sets a new standard for real-time sports dubbing, enhancing accessibility. Connected TV emerges as a game-changer in political advertising, outpacing traditional digital platforms. The fallout from the Disney-DirecTV dispute highlights the shifting advertising landscape and consumer preferences. Meanwhile, Disney faces challenges with rising prices and restrictions, raising concerns about its customer-centric image.

Disney, Fox, and WBD’s roles in the multi-channel bundle are a “gilded cage” that contributed to a judge issuing a preliminary injunction barring Venu Sports’ launch. What’s next?

Major TV networks are grappling with massive financial losses thanks to the streaming revolution. The rise of FAST channels and ad-supported services like Cineverse shows a shift in viewer preferences. Traditional networks are struggling to keep up with streaming giants like Netflix, facing significant challenges in content production. Connected TV is transforming both viewing habits and advertising through enhanced personalization powered by AI. Amid these industry upheavals, there's a glimpse of hope for fast channels and a nod to leadership in technology.