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AT&T CEO reveals a $15 streaming TV package is coming soon
On Thursday AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson took the stand to testify in defense of his company's proposed Time Warner acquisition against antitrust claims. The Justice Department's case is that the combined company could hurt consumers and drive up cable bills, a charge Stephenson called "absurd." However, while on the stand Stephenson Washington Post writer Brian Fung tweets that he did reveal a future product plan for AT&T, a so-called "skinny bundle" that could be the cheapest TV package we've seen at just $15 per month.
WSJ: Discovery, AMC and Viacom try a sports-free streaming bundle
The already crowded field of "skinny bundles" will soon feature another service vying for your attention (and wallet). As The Wall Street Journal reports, a host of broadcast networks are reportedly soft launching a new streaming platform stocked with their entertainment channels. Discovery Communications, Viacom Inc., A+E Networks, AMC Networks, and Scripps Networks Interactive will all be part of the service. But, the likes of ESPN and Fox Sports won't. That's because the new offering, dubbed 'Philo', will be a sports-free zone.
YouTube’s live TV service is available in half of all US homes
While other services, including Hulu, PlayStation Vue and SlingTV, have been available for a while now, YouTube TV is catching up fast. Launched in April to five basic metropolitan areas, the company added 11 new markets this July. Now, the live TV service has just announced 14 more markets, making its "skinny bundle" available to half the homes in the US. Subscribers to the YouTube service will also get two new networks, Newsy and the Tennis Channel for no extra charge, starting now. Customers in Boston will be able to stream the Red Sox's pennant race on sports network NESN for free, too. The company is also planning to expand to 17 more markets in the coming weeks and months.
CBS deal makes it easier to get local TV via streaming
The rapid decline in cable subscribers is killing local TV stations that provide regional news and other programming to viewers in small markets. Now, CBS has struck a deal with its affiliate board that will get live streams from stations like WCBS-TV in New York on digital platforms like Hulu, YouTube TV and CBS All Access. That'll allow subscribers who want to do "skinny bundles" of select channels to see local programming on top of CBS shows like NCIS and 60 Minutes.
Google rumor hints at 'Unplugged' streaming TV service
Since rumors about Apple's TV attempts are in their ebb phase, now it's time for Google to take the stage. In a pattern that seems very familiar, sources tell the Wall Street Journal, Reuters and CNBC that Google has cut a deal with CBS to include its channels in a streaming "skinny bundle." The rumored service is apparently planned for launch in 2017 under the name "Unplugged." While Apple's long-rumored service has yet to appear, we have seen similar efforts appear in the form of Dish Network's Sling TV, PlayStation Vue, and the upcoming DirecTV Now.
