Take That, HBO: Showtime Launching Its Own Standalone Streaming Service

[one_voice]

When TV networks play “monkey see, monkey do” with one another, it usually involves particular show genres or concepts. This latest trend, however, doesn’t center on what we’re watching, but how we’re watching it. Following yesterday’s news that HBO signed a (presumably temporary) exclusive deal with Apple for the premium cabler’s HBO Now streaming service, CBS chief exec Les Moonves has announced his own Showtime will also soon offer its own cable-free subscription-based streaming service.

Speaking with investors at the Deutsche Bank Securities 2015 Media, Internet & Telecom Conference – an event I’m sure all of our readers attend each year – Moonves said that he’s been dealing with all the usual outlets in attempting to get distribution deals off the ground. He claims that many were initially hesitant, thinking that it might spit in the face of regular broadcast TV, but they’re come around. He goes further into it, according to Deadline.

I think the floodgate is now open…We got a number of calls yesterday from existing players and digital players that we’ve talked to in the past…The content we have at Showtime is also premium. I don’t think there’s any way, shape or form for anybody to look at [HBO Now] other than as a major positive for premium cable.


Indeed, Moonves has already had some success in the cord-cutting streaming field, bringing CBS All Access to subscribers late last year. Anyone willing to drop $5.99 a month will be granted access to over 6,500 episodes from dozens of series in CBS’ library, as well as the ability to watch live TV in certain markets. (Moonves claims he’s close to getting way more affiliates to offer the live service in the next few months.) It’s unclear at this time what the Showtime service would provide customers.

*snip*

http://www.cinemablend.com/television/Take-HBO-Showtime-Launching-Its-Own-Standalone-Streaming-Service-70599.html

[PoliticAverse]

1. Let the un-bundling begin! n/t

[shenmue]

2. Worship the Roku box

It loves you.

[one_voice]

3. I love my Roku streaming stick...

I have one in my living room & in my bedroom

Have you heard of Sling TV? Another interesting idea. I'm thinking about going this route...

https://www.sling.com/?mkwid=sbfEZTMrb|pcrid|55283638457|pkw|sling%20tv|pmt|e|pdv|c&cvosrc=ppc.google.sling%20tv&cvo_crid=55283638457&matchtype=e&gclid=CJb7tpvWocQCFUvl7AodpEgAjQ

[shenmue]

4. Hmmm!

Thanks for the information. I will look at that.