BURBANK and SAN MATEO, Calif. – Disney and ESPN Media Networks and Sony Network Entertainment International LLC (SNEI) today announced an agreement to bring the company’s media networks to PlayStation Vue, the pioneering cloud-based live TV service. Disney will offer ESPN, ABC-owned local stations, Disney Channel, ABC Family, and more networks on PlayStation Vue with the service’s unique features, including the ability to play multiple streams from one account and a powerful, intuitive user interface. In addition, local ABC affiliate stations will also have the opportunity to opt-in to the PlayStation Vue service with their live linear programming.
“This deal demonstrates our continued commitment to offer the best content on TV to PlayStation Vue users,” said Dwayne Benefield, Vice President, Head of PlayStation Vue, at SNEI. “The addition of Disney and ESPN’s primetime programming and live marquee sports to our portfolio ensures subscribers will have access to the most popular network programming on television today. We’re also proud to be the first Internet-based pay TV service to offer Disney’s networks with the streaming features that set PlayStation Vue apart from the industry, making TV viewing a more enjoyable experience for the whole household.”
Added Justin Connolly, EVP of Affiliate Sales & Marketing, Disney and ESPN Media Networks, “PlayStation Vue provides a unique way to engage with our content and an opportunity to reach a segment of viewers who want a different kind of television experience. The addition of our content to the PlayStation Vue platform will make the offering more compelling as consumers navigate their video options.”
Users will be able to watch content from Disney and ESPN Media Networks on a pay TV service over the Internet, using the following unique features offered by PlayStation Vue.
On Demand Offering – PlayStation Vue will have an extensive library of video on-demand content from Disney and ESPN Media Networks, including the ability to “catch up” on content within the past three days without the need to record or tag their favorite show. ABC primetime programming also will be offered on-demand in all cities where PlayStation Vue multi-channel packages are available.
Unmatched Viewing Experience – PlayStation Vue makes it easy to watch more and search less with an intuitive interface that seamlessly blends live and on-demand content, offers powerful search and discovery tools, and enables viewers to rewind, pause, or fast forward content.
Simultaneous Streaming – With a single PlayStation Vue subscription, users can simultaneously stream content across multiple devices both in and out of the home.
Additional details, including launch timing, will be announced at a later time.
Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS)
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Companies trading lower than broader market indices included 21st Century Fox (which missed Q3 revenue expectations in reporting Wednesday), Viacom, AMC Networks and Disney. The pullback was reminiscent of the panic that struck the sector in August on fears of a pay-TV slowdown, triggered by Disney revealing subscriber losses for ESPN in Q2 and exacerbated by macroeconomic factors. (Variety)
"We are evaluating whether to retain our rights for a longer period of time and forego or delay certain content licensing. This would effectively push the [subscription video] window for content on our networks to a multiyear period more consistent with traditional syndication," CEO Jeff Bewkes told his investors during his earnings call Wednesday. Translation: We're going to make it harder to find our best stuff on digital outlets like Netflix and Amazon, because we don't want to give our viewers a reason to watch it there instead of on our own networks. (Re/code)