HBO, CNN, DC Comics, and more could join a streaming video service under AT&T
According to a report from CNN, WarnerMedia plans to launch its own streaming service in the fourth quarter of 2019, adding to growing list of OTT (over-the-top) services that bypass cable providers and bring television series and movies directly to viewers—most of them for a monthly fee.
The organization (formerly Time Warner) has several TV-content networks under its umbrella, including HBO, Turner, and Warner Bros. Turner's assets include CNN, TNT, TBS, Cartoon Network, Turner Classic Movies, and others. Warner Bros. produces series such as The Big Bang Theory, The Voice, and The Bachelor for distribution on other networks, as well as feature films like Crazy Rich Asians, Wonder Woman, Blade Runner 2049, Ready Player One, and Dunkirk. Warner Bros. also owns DC Comics.
And of course HBO produces original series like Game of Thrones, Sex and the City, Westworld, and Silicon Valley, and others, plus documentaries and other films and specials.
WarnerMedia was acquired by communications and media behemoth AT&T in June. As viewers change habits and shift to skipping cable providers, networks like HBO and Turner that have traditionally depended on fees cable television providers pay for their content have begun shifting their focus to "direct-to-consumer" distribution via streaming video in an effort to survive the transition.
And if you're thinking, "Wait, HBO already has a streaming service—actually, two," you're right. HBO Now serves viewers who don't want to get the channel through a traditional cable TV package, and HBO Go streams episodes and films to viewers who subscribe to the cable channel.
According to a report in July shortly after the AT&T acquisition, it didn't take long for the company to start talking about plans to shake things up at the boutique channel. AT&T executives said then that they want to move HBO towards creating more content with distribution to mobile devices in mind, even if that means shaking up the formula (for example, producing 20 minute episodes instead of 60 minutes) or a drop in quality.
(Score: 1, Funny) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday October 11 2018, @09:30PM (2 children)
I guess thats the end then. We maybe have 1 or 2 years left of decent content.
(Score: 2, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday October 11 2018, @09:38PM
There is only Kodi.
(Score: 2) by All Your Lawn Are Belong To Us on Thursday October 11 2018, @10:12PM
1 or 2 years? I thought we went past Peak Entertainment some years ago, actually.
This sig for rent.
(Score: 2, Touché) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday October 11 2018, @09:43PM (1 child)
It's the same stuff over and over.
Do something else with your time, even if its just drinking beer and staring at the night sky.
(Score: 2) by tibman on Saturday October 13 2018, @01:44AM
I've seen the night sky. That shit has been on re-run for decades. What else do you have? : P
PS: If you're into sci-fi then check out Altered Carbon or The Expanse
SN won't survive on lurkers alone. Write comments.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday October 11 2018, @09:46PM (3 children)
... that you can avoid by torrenting.
(Score: 2, Touché) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday October 11 2018, @11:04PM (2 children)
how much of that crap is worth torrenting?
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday October 11 2018, @11:14PM (1 child)
I heard that "Batman meets Ms Captain America, the Prequel" is at least as good as anything you'll find on HBO these days.
(Score: 3, Funny) by driverless on Friday October 12 2018, @02:40AM
""Batman does Ms Captain America" on Spice is apparently both better written and acted.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday October 12 2018, @12:03AM
Speaking as a geezer, I despise the new AT&T way way more than the old AT&T. If there is justice in the world, AT&T execs will die of painful, painful diseases along with all their families.
(Score: 2) by Phoenix666 on Friday October 12 2018, @12:35PM
let me run right out then. "boy have i got an offer for you! let me chain this shrieking zombie up in your house that will gibber insults at you day and night. you'll pay me $10/mo for it. ok?"
Washington DC delenda est.