Inside The Stream

Xumo Stream Box is good for cable but limited elsewhere

Xumo’s new Stream Box has begun its rollout by corporate parents Charter and Comcast. We discuss why the box is the right move for them but has limited use elsewhere.

Inside the Stream – TV services used, Disney+ sharing, Prime Video ads

This week, we discuss the decline in TV services used by viewers, the Disney+ password-sharing crackdown, Prime Video ads, and the cable ad revenue decline.

Inside the Stream: Generative AI-powered innovation at IBC 2023

Innovation was abundant at IBC 2023, with new AI-powered solutions delivering instant speaker fact-checks, regionally optimized movie marketing, and personalized highlight reels.

Charter-Disney II, Eluvio, Gracenote for FASTs, Hulu Ownership

Charter and Disney settled their dispute, and we discuss the outcome. Also, this week, Eluvio’s streaming platform, Gracenote for FAST discoverability, and Hulu’s ownership puzzle.

Charter-Disney Dispute Breaking the Big TV Bundle

Charter and Disney are at a standoff over rates, bundling, and how DTC apps are treated. Neither side is blinking, and the future direction of linear TV distribution is up for grabs.

Broadcaster SVODs struggle, but their FASTs flourish

Broadcaster SVOD services are struggling to compete with CTVs elite, but their FASTs are doing great. SVOD services that added ad-tiers late suffer a long-term disadvantage.

FASTs Everywhere: TCL, Fire TV, Google TV, Cox Media

Free ad-supported TV (FAST) continues to expand, and this week, we discuss new initiatives from TCL, Fire TV, Google TV, and Cox Media Group.

Linear TV and pay TV share, subtitles, Roku locals

Nielsen says that linear TV fell below half of July viewing. Is it right? Q2 2023 pay TV losses continue. Watching with subtitles is the default for many. And The Roku Channel adds local Fox and CBS stations.

Disney’s D2C profitability seems on track, but at what cost?

Disney made progress toward direct-to-consumer profitability in the last quarter. Another Disney+ price increase and password-sharing curbs could finish the job on schedule in 2024. But at what cost?

WB Discovery Loses DTC Subscribers in Q2 2023

In Q2 2023, WB Discovery lost 1.8 million DTC subscribers globally, though it recorded a slight increase in ARPU. We discuss the loss, DTC profitability, and what to expect going forward.