Streaming Industry News

News

News

WrestleMania 41 Live On Netflix April 19 and 20, 2025

WWE RAW On Netflix wins Media Man 'Streaming Series Of The Year' award

KATIE TAYLOR VS AMANDA SERRANO LIVE ON NETFLIX FRIDAY JULY 11, 2025

Streaming Movies, TV/Series

Netflix

New Movies For April 2025

The List!

"Alpha" (2018)
"Babah" (2024)
"Bonnie and Clyde" (1967)
"Conan the Destroyer" (1984)
"Draft Day" (2014)
"Field of Dreams" (1989)
"Geostorm" (2017)
"Jack the Giant Slayer" (2013)
"K-9" (1989)
"Nimesh Patel: Instant Karma" (2025)
"Psycho" (1960)
"Rooster Cogburn" (1975)
"Sicario: Day of the Soldado" (2018)
"Smokey and the Bandit Movie collection" (1977)
"The Breakfast Club" (1985)
"Uncle Buck" (1989)

And More Movies!

"Banger" (2025): April 2
"Test" (2025): April 4
"The Addams Family" (1991): April 9
"The Dad Quest" (2025): April 9
"The Hating Game" (2021): April 9
"Frozen Hot Boys" (2025): April 10
"Meet the Khumalos" (2025): April 11
"How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies" (2024): April 12
"Life or Something Like It" (2002): April 13
"iHostage" (2025): April 18
"American Sniper" (2014): April 21
"Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey" (2025): April 21
"Bullet Train Explosion" (2025): April 23
"Havoc" (2025): April 25

Netflix TV Series:

April 2025

"The Apothecary Diaries" (season 1): April 1
"Garnachas: Glorious Street Food!" (season 1): April 2
"Love on the Spectrum" (season 3): April 2
"The Parisian Agency: Exclusive Properties" (season 5): April 2
"Devil May Cry" (season 1): April 3
"Jurassic World: Chaos Theory" (season 3): April 3
"Pulse" (season 1): April 3
"Karma" (season 1): April 4
"The 101st Proposal" (season 1): April 4
"Yaiba: Samurai Legend" (season 1): April 5
"Blippi’s Job Show" (season 1): April 7
"Kill Tony" (season 1): April 7
"How to Sell Drugs Online" (Fast) (season 4): April 8
"Kian’s Bizarre B&B" (season 1): April 8
"The Clubhouse: A Year with the Red Sox" (season 1): April 8
"Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing" (season 1): April 9
"Unicorn Academy" (chapter 3): April 9
"Black Mirror" (season 7): April 10
"Moonrise" (season 1): April 10
"North of North" (season 1): April 10
"Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go!" (season 4): April 10
"The Gardener" (season 1): April 11
"Resident Playbook" (season 1): April 12
"Kian’s Bizarre B&B" (season 1): April 15
"The Glass Dome" (season 1): April 15
"Young Sheldon" (season 7): April 15
"Project UFO" (season 1): April 16
"The Diamond Heist" (limited series): April 16
"Istanbul Encyclopedia" (season 1): April 17
"Ransom Canyon" (season 1): April 17
"The Sea Beyond" (multiple seasons): April 20
"Carlos Alcaraz: My Way" (season one): April 23
"You" (season 5): April 24
"Pokémon Horizons" (season two): April 25
"Astérix & Obelix: The Big Fight" (season 1): April 30
"The Eternaut" (limited series): April 30
"Turning Point: The Vietnam War" (limited series): April 30

Specials: WWE WrestleMania 41: April 19 and 20

Sources Include: X, Netflix TUDUM

News

Netflix Earnings, Q1

April 17, 2025

Netflix reported first-quarter results Thursday that topped Wall Street estimates as subscription price hikes and a jump demand for the streaming giant’s ad-supported tiers helped boost performance.

Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) shares rose 3% in afterhours trade following the results.

Netflix announced earnings per share of $6.61, easily beating the consensus of $5.69. Revenue for the quarter rose 13% to $10.54 billion, above the consensus of $10.5 billion. Operating income grew 27% from last year to $3.35 billion.

The streaming giant attributed the better-than-expected results to "slightly higher subscription and ad revenue and the timing of expenses."

For Q2, the company expects revenue growth of 15%, underpinned by recent price changes and continued growth in membership and advertising revenue, with operating margin coming in at 33%, a 6% year-over-year improvement. The company expects EPS for the quarter of $7.03, which is above the consensus of $6.24. Revenue for the current quarter is expected to be $11.04 billion, compared to the consensus of $10.9 billion.

Looking further ahead, the company reiterated its forecast for 2025 revenue of $43.5B to $44.5B and is still targeting a 29% operating margin for 2025. Wall Street had seen revenue for the year of $44.3 billion.

Netflix said it repurchased 3.7 million shares in the quarter for $3.5 billion, the most ever purchased in a quarter.

The company also announced that it is now producing in over 50 countries.

News

Netflix First Quarter 2025 Earnings Interview
Apr 17, 2025

Video Interview
https://youtube.com/watch?v=-yzzXc9Z6gU

News

Netflix Inc. shares rose in extended trading Thursday after the company reported profit in the first quarter well above its own projections and that predicted by analysts, due to higher-than-expected subscription and advertising-revenue growth, it said.

The streaming giant reported net income of $2.89 billion, up 13% compared to $2.33 billion in the same quarter a year earlier. Analysts had estimated net income of $2.48 billion, according FactSet. The company said that its revenue would have risen 17% if the impact of foreign currency fluctuations was removed.

Earnings per share came in at $6.61, the company reported, far ahead of the $5.67 predicted by analysts polled by FactSet.

Netflix shares
NFLX +1.19% closed 1.2% higher during Thursday’s regular session and were last up 2.6% in after-hours trading, after initially spiking more than 4%. The company’s stock has recently outperformed the market in the most recent tariff-driven slowdown, suggesting investors had expected a strong earnings report.

Revenue in the quarter was $10.5 billion, up from $9.4 billion in the first quarter of 2024. That came in even with the $10.5 billion that analysts had predicted. Revenue was boosted by a price hike in January.

The company said that despite the recent period of economic instability driven by the Trump administration’s tariff push, it saw “no material change to our overall business outlook since our last earnings report.”

This was the first quarter that Netflix did not report subscriber numbers, which had previously been considered a key indicator of growth, as the company attempts to transition to more traditional financial metrics as markers of its development. In its shareholder letter Thursday, Netflix said only that it posted “slightly higher” subscription revenue than it had expected.

Last quarter — the final period in which Netflix disclosed new subscriber numbers — it reported adding 18.9 million subscribers globally, well above what had been expected.

Earlier this week, the Wall Street Journal reported that Netflix had set the ambitious target of doubling its revenue by 2030 and reaching a market capitalization of $1 trillion. The company’s current market valuation is around $411 billion.

The company aims to have 400 million global subscribers by then, up from just over 300 million at the end of 2024. Netflix also is aiming to triple its annual operating income by 2030 from around $10.4 billion last year, the Journal reported.

Netflix News via Grok

New Releases and Hits:

The Life List, a rom-com starring Sofia Carson, continues to dominate, holding the No. 1 spot on Netflix’s English Films list for three weeks with over 13 million views in the latest week. Fans are reportedly making life-changing decisions inspired by the film’s themes.

Black Mirror Season 7 premiered last week, featuring a star-studded cast including Cristin Milioti, Paul Giamatti, and Awkwafina. The second episode has sparked debate due to alternate versions, with some fans claiming Netflix is “gaslighting” them.

Pulse, a medical drama likened to Grey’s Anatomy, is climbing the charts despite mixed reviews, with fans praising its “addictive” and “juicy” action.

The Glass Dome, a chilling Scandi thriller by Camilla Lackberg, is generating buzz with its upcoming release.

iHostage, a thriller based on the 2022 Amsterdam Apple Store hostage crisis, is set to drop next week.

North of North, a comedy focusing on Indigenous stories, debuted at No. 5 on Netflix’s Top 10 with a perfect 100% critic score.

Upcoming Projects:

The Sandman Season 2, its final season, will release in two parts: six episodes on July 3 and five on July 24, 2025.

Jennifer Lopez will star in The Last Mrs. Parrish, a film directed by Robert Zemeckis.

May 2025 will bring Balle perdue 3, the final chapter of the French action saga, and The Four Seasons, a Tina Fey comedy-drama.

Platform Updates:

Netflix expanded its dubbing and subtitling options, now offering subtitles in 33 languages and audio in 36 on TVs, responding to thousands of monthly user requests. This enhances accessibility for global audiences, with nearly a third of viewership tied to non-English content like Squid Game and Lupin.

Industry Discussion:

Netflix’s binge-release model is under scrutiny as competitors like Disney+ use weekly drops to sustain buzz. Recent hits like Squid Game Season 2 and American Primeval reportedly fade quickly due to all-at-once releases. (Grok)

News

Netflix Earnings Interview

First Quarter, 2025

https://ir.netflix.net/investor-news-and-events/investor-events/event-details/2025/Netflix-First-Quarter-2025-Earnings-Interview-2025-sSZFdrz-vz/default.aspx

Websites Netflix: Investors
https://ir.netflix.net/ir-overview/profile/default.aspx

Netflix: Newsroom
https://about.netflix.com/en/newsroom

Steaming TV/Pop Culture

Netflix @netflix

April 5, 2025

Movies: Top 10

1. The Life List

2. Den of Thieves 2: Pantera

3. Talk to Me

4. Despicable Me 4

5. Con Mum

6. Kraven the Hunter

7. The Twister: Caught in the Storm

8. Trap

9. The Electric State

10. The Secret Life of Pets

News

TV Shows: Top 10

1. Adolescence

2. The Residence

3. Million Dollar Secret

4. WWE Raw 2025 (Ep March 31, 2025)

5. Wolf King

6. Running Point

7. Ms. Rachel

8. Gold and Greed: The Hunt for Fenn’s Treasure

9. Zero Day

10. Chelsea Handler

News

Specials: WWE WrestleMania 41: April 19 and 20

Sources Include: X, Netflix TUDUM

https://netflix.com/tudum/top10/tv

https://netflix.com/tudum/top10

RAW On Netflix

CM Punk goes to war against Seth "Freakin" Rollins as Raw debuts on Netflix

WWE RAW | LIVE on Netflix | Starting January 6 (Netflix YouTube)

Triple H reveals the new logo for Raw on Netflix (WWE YouTube)

Raw on Netflix premiere from Intuit Dome in LA on Jan. 6, 2025

WWE Raw debut episode on Netflix (Wikipedia)

Streaming Entertainment via Grok; X TV Tipped To Eventually Go Head To Head With YouTube, Netflix, But Will Take Many Years To Get To That Point; Customers Waiting To Churn/Switch. Changes Ahead For WBD, HBO, Binge, Paramount And Many Others - Too Many To List! Media Man Founder and Subscriber TV Veteran

Streaming entertainment has transformed how we consume media, offering a vast array of movies, TV shows, music, and more directly to our devices. Here's a breakdown of what's happening in this space as of my last update:

Major Players:

Netflix: Known for its original content like "Stranger Things," "The Crown," and "Squid Game." They've been pushing into gaming and have been experimenting with ad-supported models.

Amazon Prime Video: Comes with Amazon Prime membership. Notable for "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," "The Boys," and its integration with shopping and other Amazon services.

Disney+: A powerhouse for family entertainment, featuring Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and classic Disney content. It's also expanding its library with more adult-oriented content under the Star banner in some regions.

HBO Max: Offers premium content like "Game of Thrones," "Chernobyl," and a vast library of movies. It's also known for its DC Universe shows.

Apple TV+: While newer, it's making waves with high-quality originals like "Ted Lasso," "The Morning Show," and "See."

Peacock (NBCUniversal): Provides a mix of free and premium content, including "The Office," WWE, and original series like "Punky Brewster."

Paramount+: Combines CBS All Access with content from Paramount, Nickelodeon, MTV, and more, featuring shows like "Star Trek: Discovery" and "The Stand."

Trends and Developments:

Original Content: There's a massive push towards creating exclusive content to attract subscribers. This includes movies, series, documentaries, and even live sports.

Global Expansion: Services are increasingly focusing on international markets, either by offering local content or by making their service available in more countries.

Bundling: Companies are bundling their streaming services with other products. For example, Disney has bundles with Hulu and ESPN+.

Ad-Supported Models: To combat rising costs, some platforms like Netflix have introduced or are considering ad-supported tiers.

Direct-to-Streaming Releases: Movies are increasingly bypassing traditional theatrical releases, going straight to streaming platforms, especially noted during global health crises.

Quality Over Quantity: While there's a lot of content, platforms are also focusing on high-quality, award-winning productions to stand out.

Interactive Content: Some platforms are experimenting with interactive movies or shows where viewers can choose the plot direction.

Technological Integration: Enhanced with technologies like 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos for audio, providing a cinematic experience at home.

Challenges:

Content Saturation: With so many platforms, there's a risk of content fatigue among viewers.

Churn: Subscribers frequently switch between services based on what's currently available, leading to high turnover.

Regulatory Scrutiny: Issues like market dominance, content licensing, and privacy are increasingly under regulatory lenses.

Piracy: Despite advanced measures, piracy remains a challenge, especially for content not easily accessible in certain regions.

If you're interested in a specific aspect of streaming entertainment or want to know about recent developments since my last update, feel free to ask! If there's a particular service or type of content you're curious about, I can dive deeper into those areas. (Grok)

News

Streaming TV

Streaming TV has revolutionized how we consume television content, offering a vast array of shows, movies, and original programming through internet-based platforms rather than traditional cable or satellite TV. Here's a breakdown of what you might be interested in regarding streaming TV as of my last update:

Key Players:

Netflix: Known for its extensive library, original content like "Stranger Things," "The Crown," and "Squid Game," and a global reach.

Amazon Prime Video: Comes with an Amazon Prime subscription, offering shows like "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," "The Boys," and movies, plus the integration with shopping services.

Hulu: Offers a mix of current TV episodes, a robust library of older content, and originals like "The Handmaid's Tale." It's also notable for its live TV option.

Disney+: Focuses on family-friendly content, including Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic. Hits include "The Mandalorian" and "WandaVision."

HBO Max: Home to HBO's acclaimed series like "Game of Thrones," "Chernobyl," plus a wide range of Warner Bros. movies and new originals.

Apple TV+: While newer, it's gaining traction with high-quality originals like "Ted Lasso," "The Morning Show," and "Foundation."

Peacock: NBCUniversal's service, offering a mix of free and premium content, including "The Office," "Parks and Recreation," and new originals.

Trends and Features:

Ad-Supported vs. Ad-Free: Many services now offer tiers where you can choose between watching with ads for a lower price or paying more for an ad-free experience.

Live TV Streaming: Services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV allow streaming of live broadcast channels, appealing to sports fans and those who still want traditional TV experiences.

Bundling: Some platforms offer bundles with internet service providers or other streaming services to reduce costs.

Original Content: There's a significant push towards exclusive, original content to differentiate services, leading to a golden age of TV with high-quality, diverse programming.

Global Expansion: Services are increasingly focusing on global markets, offering localized content or subtitles/dubbing in multiple languages.

Technological Considerations:

4K and HDR: Many services now offer content in 4K resolution and HDR, enhancing viewing quality.

Offline Viewing: Most services allow downloading content for offline viewing, which is great for travel or areas with poor internet.

Smart TVs and Devices: Streaming is not just for computers or smartphones anymore; smart TVs, streaming sticks (like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick), and gaming consoles have made streaming accessible on almost any screen.

Challenges:

Content Fragmentation: With content spread across multiple services, there's a growing issue of "streaming fatigue" where consumers feel overwhelmed by the number of subscriptions needed.

Price Increases: As content quality and exclusivity rise, so do subscription costs, leading to discussions about the cost-effectiveness of streaming vs. traditional cable.

Piracy: The fragmentation and cost have somewhat revived piracy concerns as viewers look for ways to access content without multiple subscriptions.

If you're looking for recommendations or have specific questions about streaming services or shows, feel free to ask! If there's been a significant update or new service since my last update, you might want to check the latest reviews or news for the most current information. (Grok)

WBD: News

Website

WBD (Warner Bros. Discovery)

MAX

Streaming Business

MAX To Launch In Australia This Month

Warner Bros. Discovery has announced that a new streaming service, Max, will be available Down Under in Australia from March 31, 2025.

The streamer will offer content from HBO, Warner Bros, the DC Universe, Harry Potter and Discovery, as well as Cartoon Network, TLC, ID, HGTV and more.

Foxtel subscribers will have access to the Max app at no additional cost.

“We’ve been clear that the globalisation of Max is a top priority, and Australia represents one of our biggest new markets and a significant opportunity to delight even more fans with the incredible stories told by our iconic brands,” JB Perrette, the CEO and President of Global Streaming and Games at WBD, said in a statement.

“Combining an unrivalled breadth of high-quality content, legendary franchises and a strong product experience, Australians can look forward to the highest-calibre streaming proposition from March 31.”

It will be the new Aussie home of HBO Originals and Max Originals, whose catalogues include hits such as The Last of Us, House of the Dragon, Euphoria and the Sex And the City spin-off And Just Like That.

Highly anticipated new shows such the horror series It: Welcome to Derry and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a prequel from the world of Game of Thrones will be available upon release.

Subscribers will also be able to enjoy films from Warner Bros. Pictures, including recent blockbusters Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice and Twisters, alongside other fan favourites including Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and the DC Universe.

From March 31, Max will be available for subscription at www.max.com and via app stores, including the Apple Store and Google Play Store and will be viewable on all major devices such as mobile, tablet, gaming consoles and connected TV, including Hubbl.

In another positive news for the brand, WBD also announced a launch partnership with Foxtel, providing Foxtel subscribers with access to the Max app at no additional cost (provided they have a compatible Foxtel IQ box).

“WBD has a long history in Australia, and we know our world-class content from HBO, Warner Bros., Discovery and more is incredibly popular with audiences here,” Michael Brooks, the General Manager WBD Australia and New Zealand, added in the same statement.

“We have a clear strategy to maximise reach through our direct-to-consumer app and distribution partnerships, and our collaboration with Foxtel at launch is a testament to that.

“We can’t wait for fans across the country to experience Max.”

Media Man Int

Streaming News
https://www.mediamanint.com/streaming_news.html

Streaming TV
https://www.mediamanint.com/streaming_tv.html

Entertainment News
https://www.mediamanint.com/news4.html

Australian News
https://www.mediamanint.com/australian_news.html

Blog

Media Man Streaming Blog
https://mediamanstreaming.blogspot.com/

News

Warner Bros. Discovery & AEW to Establish New Era of Professional Wrestling with Multi-Year, Multi-Platform Media Rights Renewal

WBD Networks to Continue to Be Home to Fan-Favorites AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision, with Simulcast Streaming on Max for First Time Starting January 2025

AEW Pay-Per-View Events to Be Distributed on Max at Discounted Price For Subscribers

Warner Bros. Discovery and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) today announced a multi-year renewal of their highly successful five-year relationship with an expansive multi-platform media rights agreement that will provide fans with the widest available access ever to AEW’s most popular programming.

WBD’s networks and platforms will remain the exclusive home of AEW Dynamite (Wednesdays on TBS) and AEW Collision (Saturdays on TNT), with enhanced distribution rights across social platforms as well as building opportunities for additional AEW programming for linear and digital platforms in the future.

Additionally, for the first time, all AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision programming starting January 2025 will stream live exclusively on Max (U.S. subscribers only). All AEW programming airing on WBD’s networks will also be available to stream on demand on Max.

AEW and WBD will also collaborate to distribute AEW live pay-per-view events on Max at a discounted price per event, with all marketing and promotions of those PPV events exclusively centered on Max. AEW PPV distribution on Max will begin later in 2025, with additional information and pricing to be shared in the coming months.

“Tony Khan and the entire AEW team have been incredible partners, and we are thrilled to strike this expanded agreement to deliver amazing new AEW content and stories to TNT and TBS, as well as bring the thrilling live action to Max for the first time,” said Kathleen Finch, Chairman and CEO of US Networks, WBD. “We are focused on creating fresh and authentic experiences for AEW’s passionate and engaged fanbase while also introducing them to our growing lineup of high-action sports and entertainment at TNT and beyond.”

“We are honored to announce the extension of our incredible partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery,” said AEW CEO, GM and Head of Creative Tony Khan. “This extension continues the tradition of iconic wrestling events broadcast on TBS and TNT, while also establishing a new legacy for AEW through weekly live streams on Max for years to come. We thank David Zaslav, Kathleen Finch and everyone at WBD for their tireless support of All Elite Wrestling since its inception, as well as the AEW fans, talent and staff that helped make this possible.”

Since its inaugural year in 2019, AEW has collaborated with WBD to build a next-generation, pro-wrestling franchise with captivating stories, dynamic and diverse characters, and energetic events all year round. AEW programming has reached more than 33 million fans this year across TBS and TNT, with AEW Dynamite on TBS ranking as Wednesday’s #1 cable entertainment program among P18-49. AEW Collision also ranks among the top 5 programs in its Saturday time slot among P18-49 and M18-49.

The addition of AEW’s popular programming on Max adds to an already robust slate of live programming available to U.S. subscribers, including CNN Max — a 24/7 live news stream featuring live news and programming, and in-depth reporting of all of the biggest news each day and the upcoming U.S. election cycle from CNN’s global news team; and, the B/R Sports Add-on, featuring live coverage of the upcoming MLB postseason, NHL and NBA regular seasons, NCAA Men's March Madness, US Men’s & Women’s National Team soccer matches, Bellator MMA, Mountain West college football, MotoGP, FIA World Endurance Championship, world cycling, and — in 2025 — NASCAR, Roland-Garros tennis, and BIG EAST men’s and women’s college basketball.

About Warner Bros. Discovery

Warner Bros. Discovery is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world's most differentiated and complete portfolio of branded content across television, film, streaming and gaming. Available in more than 220 countries and territories and 50 languages, Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, Max, discovery+, CNN, DC, TNT Sports, Eurosport, HBO, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information, please visit www.wbd.com.

About AEW

Founded by CEO, GM and Head of Creative Tony Khan in 2019, AEW is a red-hot professional wrestling promotion featuring a world-class roster that is injecting new spirit, freshness and energy into the industry. “AEW Dynamite” airs every Wednesday from 8-10 p.m. ET on TBS, “AEW Rampage” airs every Friday from 10-11 p.m. ET on TNT, and “AEW Collision” airs every Saturday from 8-10 p.m. ET on TNT. AEW’s multi-platform content also includes “AEW Unrestricted,” a weekly podcast series. For more info, check out Twitter.com/AEW; Instagram.com/AEW; YouTube.com/AEW; Facebook.com/AEW

News

Streaming Entertainment

Netflix

Rankings (Worldwide)

Top 10

September 30 to October 6, 2024

Nobody Wants This
Monsters
Love Is Blind

1. #NobodyWantsThis

2. #Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story

3. #LoveIsBlind: S7

4. #Heartstopper: S3

5. #ThePerfectCouple

6. #MrMcMahon

7. #TheAmazingDigitalCircus

8. #UnsolvedMysteries: V5

9. #EmilyInParis: S4

10. #PrisonBreak: S1

Media Man Bonus

Streaming Industry News: Australia

Ads May Appear On More Services In Bid To Maintain Price Point And Increase Profits

October 2024

Australian Based Streaming Services Feel Global Disruption To Business Model; Consumer Churn And Viewers Spoiled By Online Options Including Free Ones For Price Of Internet Connection

Nine Entertainment's Stan is considering a move to introduce advertising, as the Aussie streaming service looks at ways of lifting revenue.

Stan is one of the few remaining streaming services to run without ads in Australia, with the only other platform not to offer a cheaper, promotion-subsidised subscription, Disney+, expected to introduce advertising sooner rather than later.

Despite managing to successfully compete against the likes of industry giants Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, and Binge for close to a decade without incorporating ads, Nine Entertainment's bottom line may now force the company's hand as it looks to make up for diving incomes in a range of areas.

According to the Australian Financial Review, the departure of Nine boss Mike Sneesby has potentially opened the door for the introduction of ads on Stan, with new acting CEO Matt Stanton understood to be considering his options.

Mr Sneesby, who was head of the streaming service before ascending to the leadership of Nine, had kept a close watch over Stan before his departure, with current Stan boss Martin Kugeler apparently given little latitude to make major changes.

Stan was also largely separated from other parts of Nine under Mr Sneesby and was given its own offices while being spared from the worst of the cost-cutting which affected other parts of the business – such as the Financial Review, Sydney Morning Herald and Nine Network.

However, the financial pressures which necessitated those cuts may now be set to hit home, with Mr Stanton having two main options to increase revenue from the streaming service.

The first would be to increase prices, as many other platforms have done in recent years, while the second would be to implement advertising.

The AFR reports that should Nine choose the second option, it would likely begin by placing ads in Stan Sport, given those viewers are already accustomed to having promotional materials incorporated into broadcasts.

Nine had previously considered the inclusion of ads in sports coverage, including in coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, but ultimately decided against it.

Despite this, Nine's sales team are reportedly keen on the prospect of ads in sport coverage as a potential source of revenue in future.

However, incorporating advertising into other programming, such as films and tv shows, is more challenging, and comes with the risk that viewers may move away (known as churn) from Stan and onto Nine's free-to-air options.

There is also the potential that a shift from a more expensive ad-free subscription to a cheaper ad-subsidised one could cost the company money by creating a shortfall in revenue.

Nine has not given any public indication about how it may proceed.

News

Nine mulls adding advertising to Stan in search for new revenue

October 9, 2024

Streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video were once entirely commercial-free. Now almost all services have a cheaper ad-backed plan.

By Sam Buckingham-Jones

Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+ and Binge were once pristine islands where Australians could pay for the privilege to watch movies and TV shows without advertising.

This is no longer true. All four of those companies now offer cheaper tiers that are subsidised by limited advertising. The other big player, Disney+, has introduced ads in the US and is expected to do so in Australia soon.

There is still one exception to the rule. Stan is now the only ad-free atoll remaining in a crowded sea of streamers.

Stan, which is owned by Nine Entertainment, has been around for 10 years. It is a rare example of a home-grown streaming service that has managed to successfully compete against the likes of Netflix and achieve scale and profitability. That it has done this without advertising hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Mike Sneesby, who founded Stan and went on to run Nine, was asked about running ads more than four years ago. At the start, he usually answered along the same lines: “Just because you can make money out of selling something, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should.” (AFR)

Full article and coverage via subscription to The Australian Financial Review
@FinancialReview

https://afr.com/companies/media-and-marketing/nine-mulls-adding-advertising-to-stan-in-search-for-new-revenue-20241008-p5kgld

The Australian Financial Review is the Media Man 'Newspaper Of The Month'

Media Man

News

Streaming Movies Top 10 (North America)

August 27, 2024

1. Furiosa (Max)

2. The Union (Netflix)

3. Jackpot (Prime Video)

4. The Instigators (Apple TV+)

5. Alien (Hulu)

6. The Bikeriders (Peacock)

7. Immaculate (Hulu)

8. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (Hulu)

9. Alien: Covenant (Hulu)

10. Twister (Max)

News

Top 10 Streaming TV (North America)

August 27, 2024

1. Bad Monkey (Apple TV+)

2. The Umbrella Academy (Netflix)

3. Industry (Max)

4. The Bear (Hulu)

5. From (Prime Video)

6. Presumed Innocent (Apple TV+)

7. Emily in Paris (Netflix)

8. Time Bandits (Apple TV+)

9. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (Netflix)

10. Evil (Paramount+)

Media Man

News

Sports streaming service from Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery blocked by judge citing antitrust concerns

August 17, 2024

A judge has temporarily blocked the launch of Venu Sports, the upcoming sports streaming service from Disney's ESPN (DIS), Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), and Fox (FOXA), on antitrust concerns just weeks ahead of the start of NFL season.

The preliminary injunction comes after sports streamer FuboTV (FUBO) filed a lawsuit against the media giants behind the JV in February seeking to block the service, citing "the extreme suppression of competition in the US sports-focused streaming market."

Shares of Fubo, which boasts more than 200 channels and 1.5 million North American subscribers, rose as much as 22% following the news Friday. Shares of Disney, Fox, and WBD were little changed on the announcement.

US District Judge Margaret Garnett determined in her ruling Friday that the launch of the joint venture would "substantially lessen competition and restrain trade." Furthermore, it would also ensure "a swift exodus of large numbers of Fubo’s subscribers" and that "Fubo’s bankruptcy and delisting of the company’s stock will likely soon follow. These are quintessential harms that money cannot adequately repair."

David Gandler, Fubo co-founder and CEO, called the ruling a victory "not only for Fubo but also for consumers. This decision will help ensure that consumers have access to a more competitive marketplace with multiple sports streaming options."

Disney, WBD, and Fox responded to the injunction with a joint statement, saying, "We respectfully disagree with the court’s ruling and are appealing it."

"We believe that Fubo’s arguments are wrong on the facts and the law, and that Fubo has failed to prove it is legally entitled to a preliminary injunction. Venu Sports is a pro-competitive option that aims to enhance consumer choice by reaching a segment of viewers who currently are not served by existing subscription options.”

Disney, WBD, and Fox first announced the joint venture in February and teased a debut sometime this fall. The service would bring together their respective slates of sports rights and would come as media companies face pressure from investors to scale their streaming services and achieve profitability.

In March, Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch shrugged off Fubo's lawsuit, saying the company did not have regulatory concerns surrounding the service.

"When you look at the service, it's pro-consumer, it's pro-competition," he said at the time. "It's focused on a cohort of people in a segment [that's] not served at all with sports content."

Earlier this month, the companies announced a price point of $42.99 a month for Venu. Executives have also reiterated expectations that the service will hit around 5 million by 2029 and that the opportunity lies in capturing the "cord cutters" and the "cord nevers." (Yahoo)

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Netflix stock secures record close as company touts ad sales ahead of NFL, WWE debuts

August 21, 2024

Netflix (NFLX) stock nabbed a closing record on Tuesday, finishing the day up more than 1% to trade just under $699 a share. The stock's previous record close was just below $692 in 2021.

Earlier in the session, the stock also hit an intraday record of $711 a share, ahead of its prior $701 intraday high.

On Tuesday, the company again touted its push into the ad market, revealing in a company blog post it secured "a 150% plus increase in upfront ad sales commitments over 2023."

Netflix's successful upfront negotiations, a time when networks and media companies pitch to secure ad commitments for upcoming series and events, comes as the platform leans into live sports and doubles down on its biggest shows.

Upcoming movies and series like "Happy Gilmore 2" and "Squid Game 2," along with the recent acquisition of live sports content like the NFL Christmas Day games and WWE Raw, which will kick off in January 2024, helped fueled the success, according to the company.

"Our advertising clients remain excited about our highly engaged audience and the variety and quality of our programming," said Amy Reinhard, president of advertising at Netflix.

Reinhard cited ad partners that include LVMH, Amazon, Hilton, L’Oreal, and Google, among others. The company will launch its in-house ad tech platform globally in 2025.

But it's not just advertising that's fueling the recent rally.

Analysts have also said the company is well-positioned to hike prices. Netflix last raised the price of its Standard plan in January 2022, upping the monthly cost to $15.49 from $13.99. It also raised the price of its Premium tier by $2 to $19.99 a month at the time; the company again raised the cost of that plan in October to $22.99.

The company has yet to raise the price of its ad-supported offering, introduced less than two years ago, which remains one of the cheapest ad plans among all of the major streaming players at $6.99 a month.

Netflix has previously said its goal is to make ads "a more substantial revenue stream that contributes to sustained, healthy revenue growth in 2025 and beyond." It will phase out its lowest-priced ad-free streaming plan as a result, making the $15.49 Standard plan its cheapest offering for an ad-free experience.

In a note published earlier this month, Jefferies analyst James Heaney said the Standard plan will likely be the one hit with a December price hike, especially given the company's foray into sports — a move that further "increases [its] pricing power."

"We believe NFLX has been positioning itself throughout this year for a year-end price hike," Heaney said. "We view the venture into NFL games (at just ~2% of annual content spend) as a significant Q4 subscriber driver, creating a further tailwind to NFLX's password sharing initiative and supporting a price hike."

In last month's earnings release, Netflix said it's making "steady progress scaling [its] ad business" with ad-tier memberships growing 34% quarter on quarter, boosted in part by the removal of the basic plan in certain markets.

"Given this sustained progress, we believe that we’re on track to achieve critical ad subscriber scale for advertisers in our ad countries in 2025, creating a strong base from which we can further increase our ad membership in 2026 and beyond," the company said. (Yahoo)