It’s finally happening. Companies that offer traditional TV services are working towards a world where streaming is the de facto method for catching up on the latest movies and shows. In an attempt to migrate in this direction, WarnerMedia CEO, John Stankey announced that the AT&T/Time Warner merger is allowing the company to pursue a “compelling and competitive” streaming product.
While it would be hard for anyone to argue that the migration from conventional TV to streaming has not been a slow, painful process thus far, Stankey’s statement today shows that progress is certainly being made.
Many homes have a way to stream content over the internet. This could be a Smart TV made by big name brands like LG or Samsung, or a streaming player offered by the likes of Apple, Roku, or Google.
In most instances, the user experience on the options listed above destroy the competing cable/satellite boxes that come with monthly TV subscriptions like Comcast Xfinity or AT&T U-verse.
This is because live streaming apps like Sling or Hulu focus on the names of what you want to watch instead of the archaic days when you needed to remember your favorite channel numbers.
Over the next year, AT&T has the opportunity to take a page out of Netflix’s playbook and create an on-demand solution that provides consumers with great content packaged in apps that are simple to navigate.
Based on an internal memo seen by CNN, it seems that AT&T is working on offering some of most raved-about shows in its service thanks to its plans to partner with HBO.
“Our service will start with HBO and the genre-defining programming that viewers crave. On top of that, we will package content from Turner and Warner Bros. with their deep brand connections that touch both diverse interests and mass audiences,” Stankey stated in an internal memo according to CNN.
Cost is something that was not mentioned and it is unclear how much of a toll HBO’s inclusion will take since it already has its own Now service that costs users $15 each month. This new service will join AT&T’s DirecTV Now offering which added a CloudDVR feature earlier this year.
With about a year left before the planned rollout, there are a lot of moving parts and negotiations that still need to take place. However we can be sure that the service will have a selection of WarnerMedia movies and TV shows available.
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