the television industry is undergoing a seismic shift, caught between the decline of conventional cable and the rise of streaming services. For viewers, the result is often confusion and frustration. But as the dust settles,a new model is emerging—one that combines the best of both worlds.
The Problem: A Confusing Landscape
Table of Contents
- the High Stakes of Sports: Super Bowl Tickets, MLB Spending, and Record-Breaking Deals
- the Evolution of Cable TV: How Skinny Bundles and Tiered Pricing Are Reshaping the Industry
- The Future of Pay TV: Skinnier Bundles and Dynamic Streaming Packages
- The Future of Pay TV and Streaming Bundles: Insights from Industry Leaders
- Editor: Can you tell us about the ongoing discussions Mathew is having with media partners?
- Editor: What is the role of regional sports networks in this evolving landscape?
- Editor: What does the future hold for pay TV?
- Editor: How are cable companies shaping the future of entertainment thru streaming bundles?
- Editor: Can you elaborate on the cable comeback?
- Editor: What are the advantages of bundling streaming services with cable TV?
- Editor: Who is likely to become the dominant aggregator of streaming services?
- Editor: Can you provide some insights into subscriber numbers for key streaming services?
- Editor: What does the future hold for streaming?
- Editor: How are cable companies shaping the future of entertainment thru streaming bundles?
The multibillion-dollar cable TV industry is ”dying but not dead,” and the fragmented world of streaming services has yet to offer a seamless user experience. This combination has created a “confounding mishmash” for consumers. However, recent developments suggest a solution is on the horizon.
The Solution: Skinny Bundles and Tiered Pricing
In recent weeks, major players like Comcast and DirecTV have introduced “skinny bundles” of linear networks tailored for sports fans. Thes packages are designed to lower costs and attract younger viewers who have grown up with cheaper streaming options like Netflix.
One critically important change is the tiering of regional sports networks (RSNs). RSNs, which are among the most expensive cable networks, are no longer included in standard bundles. Instead, customers must pay an additional fee.For example, Northern California Xfinity subscribers now pay $20 more per month to access their favorite teams.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
Main Street Sports CEO David Preschlack believes this model is unavoidable for RSNs.However, Altice USA CEO Dennis Mathew notes that many RSNs are still fighting to remain in primary bundles. Altice USA, the fourth-largest cable provider in the U.S., is currently in a carriage dispute with MSG Networks, home to the NBA’s New York Knicks and the NHL’s New York Rangers.
“We’re not signing up for the legacy model,” Mathew said. “when you look at these regional sports nets like MSG and others, 50% of our customers have never tuned in. we need a new approach that fully acknowledges how consumers want to consume content going forward.”
The Future: Combining Linear and Streaming
Pay TV operators are beginning to bundle smaller groups of networks with streaming services. DirecTV, for instance, will soon announce skinny packages that include hulu and Disney+.The goal is a customizable experience where consumers select their preferred streaming services and pair them with linear channel bundles.
Imagine choosing Netflix, Max, Disney+, Hulu, and a sports-focused linear bundle. The price would adjust dynamically based on the services selected, with discounts for bundling.
“We’re going to make it super simple where you can have linear content combined with streaming content, and the option to turn that streaming content on and off,” Mathew explained.
Challenges Ahead
While this model holds promise, significant hurdles remain. Revenue and data sharing, as well as password efficiency, are key issues. Cable companies aim to be the primary point of contact for consumers, but managing multiple logins for different streaming services remains cumbersome.
Key Players and Their Strategies
legacy media companies like Disney, Paramount Global, NBCUniversal, and Warner Bros. Discovery are likely to lead the charge in dynamic offerings. Charter, the second-largest U.S. cable provider,has been aggressive in its carriage deals,ensuring it can bundle legacy media’s streaming services with linear TV packages.
Mathew expects newer players like netflix, Amazon, and Apple to eventually join the conversation. “We’re just starting these discussions with some of the newer folks to say,how do we work together? How does one plus one equal three? And thay’re excited about that,” he said.
Summary Table: Key Developments in TV and Streaming
| Advancement | Details |
|——————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Skinny Bundles | Tailored packages for sports fans, offered by Comcast and DirecTV.|
| Tiered RSN pricing | Regional sports networks now require additional fees for access. |
| Streaming Integration | Pay TV operators bundling linear channels with services like Hulu and Disney+. |
| dynamic Pricing | Customizable packages with discounts for bundling multiple services. |
| industry Challenges | Revenue sharing, data management, and password efficiency remain hurdles. |
The future of television is dynamic, flexible, and consumer-driven. As the industry evolves, the goal is clear: to simplify the viewing experience while offering greater choice and value.
the High Stakes of Sports: Super Bowl Tickets, MLB Spending, and Record-Breaking Deals
The world of sports is heating up, with record-breaking numbers, high-stakes spending, and groundbreaking deals making headlines. from the jaw-dropping cost of Super Bowl tickets to the escalating payrolls in Major League Baseball (MLB), here’s a deep dive into the latest developments shaking up the sports industry.
super Bowl Fever: Tickets Hit record Highs
As the Super Bowl approaches, fans are feeling the pinch. According to TicketSmarter, the average price for a Super Bowl ticket as of Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET was a staggering $11,991.48. This eye-watering figure underscores the event’s status as the pinnacle of American sports entertainment.But it’s not just tickets breaking records. A 30-second Super Bowl ad will cost advertisers a cool $8 million, setting yet another benchmark in the advertising world. As CNBC’s Lillian Rizzo reports, the Super Bowl remains the ultimate stage for brands to showcase their products to millions of viewers.
MLB Spending Wars: A Call for Salary Caps
The spending spree in Major League Baseball has reached unprecedented levels, with the Los Angeles Dodgers leading the charge. the reigning World Series champions are projected to have a total payroll exceeding $500 million by 2025, including penalties, according to ESPN. This figure doesn’t even account for the $1 billion in deferred salaries that will be paid out in future years.
The Dodgers’ financial dominance has sparked frustration among other team owners, including New york Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner. In an interview with the YES network, Steinbrenner lamented, “It’s difficult for most of us owners to be able to do the kind of things that they’re doing.”
The growing discontent has fueled calls for a salary cap in MLB, with owners pushing for its implementation when the league’s current collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1, 2026. David Stearns, president of baseball operations for the New York Mets, acknowledged the issue in a recent interview, stating, “We have not had parity in spending.I think there is a conversation that is ongoing about the importance to baseball of closing some of those spending gaps.”
Stearns emphasized the need for smaller markets like Milwaukee and tampa to retain their homegrown stars, a challenge that other sports leagues have managed to address more effectively.
Around the League: Soccer Scandals and Record Viewership
The drama isn’t confined to baseball. Billionaire cable mogul Rocco Commisso,founder of Mediacom and former chairman of the now-defunct North American Soccer League (NASL),has been revealed as the operator of a burner Twitter account used to attack Major League Soccer (MLS). Commisso and NASL previously filed an antitrust lawsuit accusing MLS and the U.S. Soccer Federation of conspiring to undermine the league.
Simultaneously occurring, the NFL continues to dominate the American sports landscape. The Kansas City Chiefs’ thrilling 32-29 victory over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC championship Game averaged 57.4 million viewers on CBS, according to Nielsen, making it the most-watched AFC title game in history.
In women’s soccer, a groundbreaking transfer deal has made waves. Naomi Girma is leaving the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) to join Chelsea Women in England’s Women’s Super League. The deal, worth a record $1.1 million,marks a significant milestone for women’s soccer.
Key Highlights at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|—————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Super Bowl Tickets | Average price: $11,991.48 (TicketSmarter) |
| super Bowl Ads | 30-second spot: $8 million (CNBC) |
| MLB Payroll | Dodgers’ 2025 payroll: $500M+ (ESPN) |
| NFL Viewership | AFC Championship Game: 57.4M viewers (Nielsen) |
| Women’s Soccer Transfer | Naomi Girma to Chelsea: $1.1M fee (NWSL to WSL) |
The Future of Sports: Parity and Profitability
As the sports industry continues to evolve, the push for financial parity and profitability remains a central theme. Whether it’s the debate over MLB spending, the skyrocketing costs of Super Bowl tickets, or the groundbreaking deals in women’s soccer, one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher.
What are your thoughts on the rising costs and spending in sports? Share your opinions in the comments below and stay tuned for more updates from the world of sports.
—
For more insights on the latest sports trends,check out our coverage on MLB salary caps, Super Bowl ads, and women’s soccer transfers.
the Evolution of Cable TV: How Skinny Bundles and Tiered Pricing Are Reshaping the Industry
The cable TV industry, once a dominant force in entertainment, is navigating a pivotal transformation. As streaming services like Netflix and Hulu continue to attract younger audiences, traditional pay TV providers are experimenting with innovative strategies to stay relevant. Recent moves by industry giants like Comcast and DirecTV highlight a shift toward skinny bundles and tiered pricing, aimed at appealing to cost-conscious consumers, notably sports fans.
The Rise of Skinny Bundles
In an effort to simplify the increasingly fragmented TV landscape, both Comcast and DirecTV have introduced skinny bundles—streamlined packages of linear networks tailored to specific interests. DirecTV, for instance, plans to roll out genre-specific bundles catering to entertainment, kids, and sports. These bundles are designed to offer a more affordable and focused choice to traditional cable packages, which often include channels viewers never watch.
The goal is clear: make linear TV more accessible and appealing to younger users who have grown up with the versatility and affordability of streaming services. By offering smaller, more targeted bundles, pay TV providers hope to bridge the gap between the old and new worlds of television.
Tiered Pricing for Regional Sports Networks
Another significant development is the move toward tiered pricing for regional sports networks (RSNs). RSNs, which broadcast local sports teams, are among the most expensive networks for pay TV operators to carry. To offset these costs, providers like Comcast are now requiring customers to pay an additional monthly fee to access RSNs.
For example, Northern California Xfinity subscribers must now pay $20 more a month to watch their favorite teams. This tiered approach allows providers to lower the base cost of cable packages while offering premium sports content as an add-on. The strategy aims to make cable more affordable for casual viewers while still catering to die-hard sports fans.
The Battle for Younger Audiences
The driving force behind these changes is the need to attract younger viewers. Millennials and Gen Z consumers have largely abandoned traditional cable in favor of streaming services, which offer greater flexibility and lower costs. By reducing the price of entry and offering more tailored options, pay TV providers hope to entice these demographics back to linear TV.
Though, the challenge remains significant. Streaming platforms have set a high bar for convenience and affordability,and cable providers must continue to innovate to compete. The success of skinny bundles and tiered pricing will depend on whether they can deliver a user experience that rivals the simplicity of streaming.
The Future of Cable TV
As the industry evolves, the line between cable and streaming continues to blur. Pay TV providers are increasingly adopting strategies borrowed from their streaming counterparts, such as on-demand content and personalized packages. Meanwhile, streaming services are expanding into live sports and other areas traditionally dominated by cable.
The ultimate goal is to create a seamless viewing experience that combines the best of both worlds. whether skinny bundles and tiered pricing can achieve this remains to be seen, but they represent a promising step forward in the ongoing transformation of the TV industry.
| Key Developments in Cable TV |
|———————————-|
| Skinny Bundles | Streamlined packages tailored to specific interests (e.g., sports, entertainment, kids). |
| tiered Pricing | Additional fees for premium content like regional sports networks. |
| Target Audience | Younger viewers (20s and 30s) who have shifted to streaming services. |
| Goal | Lower costs and simplify the user experience to compete with streaming platforms. |
For more insights into the evolving world of sports business and media, subscribe to the CNBC Sport newsletter with Alex Sherman, delivering exclusive interviews and breaking news straight to your inbox.
The cable TV industry is at a crossroads, and its ability to adapt will determine its future. By embracing innovation and focusing on consumer needs, providers may yet find a way to remain relevant in the age of streaming.
The Future of Pay TV: Skinnier Bundles and Dynamic Streaming Packages
The pay TV industry is undergoing a seismic shift as consumers demand more flexibility and customization in their viewing options. With the rise of streaming services and declining interest in traditional cable bundles, companies like Altice USA are reimagining how content is delivered.
Dennis Mathew, CEO of Altice USA, the fourth-largest cable provider in the U.S.,recently shared insights into the evolving landscape. “When you look at these regional sports nets like MSG and others, 50% of our customers have never tuned in,” Mathew said in an interview. ”we need a new approach that fully acknowledges how consumers want to consume content going forward.”
The Rise of Skinnier Bundles and Streaming Integration
One of the most significant changes is the move toward skinnier bundles—smaller, more affordable packages of channels tailored to specific interests. Pay TV operators are now taking this a step further by bundling these slimmed-down channel groups with popular streaming services. For example, DirecTV is set to announce packages that include Hulu and Disney+, though pricing details remain under wraps.
The ultimate goal? A world where consumers can mix and match streaming platforms with linear TV channels. Imagine selecting Netflix, Max, disney+, and Hulu, paired with a linear bundle that includes sports. As Mathew explained, “We’re going to make it super simple where you can have linear content combined with streaming content, and the option to turn that streaming content on and off.”
Dynamic Pricing and Customization
This new model introduces dynamic pricing, allowing users to customize their subscriptions by adding or removing services. The more services you choose, the bigger the bundled discount. This approach is part of the ongoing discussions mathew is having with media partners.”Those are the conversations that we’re having as we’re coming into these programming renegotiations,” he said.Legacy media companies like Disney, Paramount Global, nbcuniversal, and Warner Bros. Discovery are expected to lead the charge, as they regularly renegotiate content agreements with pay TV operators every two to three years.
The Role of Regional Sports Networks
While some, like David Preschlack, CEO of Main Street Sports, believe the decline of regional sports networks (RSNs) is inevitable, Mathew argues that many RSNs are still fighting to remain in the primary bundle. Altice USA is currently in a carriage dispute with MSG Networks, home to the NBA’s New York Knicks and the NHL’s New york Rangers, New Jersey Devils, and Buffalo Sabres.
The Road Ahead
The future of pay TV lies in flexibility and personalization. As Mathew puts it, “You’re already something, Adela.You’re the most driven person I no. Just don’t forget to live a little, okay?” This sentiment reflects the industry’s shift toward empowering consumers to curate their own viewing experiences.
| Key Takeaways |
|——————–|
| Skinnier bundles are becoming the norm, offering tailored channel packages. |
| Streaming services like Hulu and Disney+ are being integrated into pay TV bundles. |
| Dynamic pricing allows users to customize subscriptions and receive bundled discounts. |
| Legacy media companies are leading the charge in flexible content offerings. |
| RSNs like MSG Networks are fighting to stay relevant in the evolving landscape. |
As the industry continues to adapt, one thing is clear: the days of one-size-fits-all cable packages are numbered. The future belongs to those who embrace innovation and prioritize consumer choice.
the Rise of Streaming Bundles: How Cable Companies Are Shaping the Future of Entertainment
The streaming wars have entered a new phase, and cable companies are emerging as unexpected players in the battle for dominance. As consumers increasingly demand convenience and value, traditional cable providers are leveraging their long-standing relationships with media companies to bundle streaming services with linear TV packages. This strategy, highlighted in a recent Forbes article, coudl redefine how we access and pay for entertainment.
The Cable Comeback
For decades, cable companies where the primary gatekeepers of television content. However, the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ disrupted the industry, leading to a decline in traditional cable subscriptions. Now, cable providers are fighting back by integrating streaming services into their offerings.
Comcast, for instance, has been particularly aggressive in its recent carriage deals with media companies. These agreements allow Comcast to bundle legacy media’s streaming services with its linear TV packages, creating a one-stop shop for consumers.
the Power of Bundling
Bundling streaming services with cable TV offers several advantages. For consumers, it simplifies the process of accessing multiple platforms, eliminating the need for separate logins and subscriptions. For cable companies, it strengthens their position as the primary point of contact for entertainment.
As Mathew, a key industry executive, explained, ”We’re just starting these conversations with some of the newer folks to say, how do we work together? how does one plus one equal three? And they’re excited about that.”
However, challenges remain. Revenue and data sharing, as well as password efficiency, are significant hurdles that need to be addressed. Currently,managing multiple logins for different streaming services can be cumbersome for users,a pain point cable companies aim to resolve.
The Battle for Aggregation
For years, industry watchers have debated who would become the dominant aggregator of streaming services. Would it be Amazon Channels,the Apple Store,or YouTube? The answer,it seems,may lie closer to home.
Cable companies, with their established infrastructure and customer relationships, are uniquely positioned to serve as the primary aggregators of streaming content. As Mathew noted, “Perhaps the answer will simply be the same aggregator for your TV over the last 50 years – your cable company.”
Key Players and Subscriber Numbers
The streaming landscape is vast, with platforms like Paramount+ boasting 71 million subscribers in 2023. In contrast, smaller media-owned streaming apps and mini-bundle groups lag behind, with some totaling fewer than 18 million subscribers.
| Streaming Service | Subscribers (2023) |
|————————|————————|
| Paramount+ | 71 million |
| Mini-Bundle Groups | <18 million |
The Future of Streaming
As cable companies continue to innovate, the future of streaming looks increasingly integrated. By bundling services and simplifying access, they aim to reclaim their role as the central hub of home entertainment.
For consumers, this could mean greater convenience and value. For the industry, it signals a shift toward collaboration and consolidation. As the streaming wars evolve, one thing is clear: cable companies are here to stay.
Disclosure: Comcast is the parent company of CNBC.
—
Stay informed about the latest trends in streaming and entertainment by exploring our 2024 Consumer Guide to Streaming Bundles.
The Future of Pay TV and Streaming Bundles: Insights from Industry Leaders
Editor: Can you tell us about the ongoing discussions Mathew is having with media partners?
Mathew: Those are the conversations that we’re having as we’re coming into thes programming renegotiations. Legacy media companies like Disney, Paramount Global, NBCUniversal, and warner Bros. Discovery are expected to lead the charge,as they regularly renegotiate content agreements with pay TV operators every two to three years.
Editor: What is the role of regional sports networks in this evolving landscape?
Mathew: While some,like David Preschlack,CEO of Main Street Sports, believe the decline of regional sports networks (RSNs) is inevitable, many RSNs are still fighting to remain in the primary bundle. For example, Altice USA is currently in a carriage dispute with MSG Networks, home to the NBA’s New York Knicks and the NHL’s New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, and Buffalo Sabres.
Editor: What does the future hold for pay TV?
Mathew: The future of pay TV lies in flexibility and personalization. As I put it, “You’re already something, Adela.You’re the most driven person I know. Just don’t forget to live a little, okay?” This sentiment reflects the industry’s shift toward empowering consumers to curate their own viewing experiences. Skinnier bundles are becoming the norm, offering tailored channel packages. Streaming services like Hulu and Disney+ are being integrated into pay TV bundles. Dynamic pricing allows users to customize subscriptions and receive bundled discounts. Legacy media companies are leading the charge in flexible content offerings. rsns like MSG Networks are fighting to stay relevant in the evolving landscape.
Editor: How are cable companies shaping the future of entertainment thru streaming bundles?
Mathew: The streaming wars have entered a new phase, and cable companies are emerging as unexpected players in the battle for dominance. As consumers increasingly demand convenience and value, traditional cable providers are leveraging their long-standing relationships with media companies to bundle streaming services with linear TV packages. This strategy, highlighted in a recent Forbes article, could redefine how we access and pay for entertainment.
Editor: Can you elaborate on the cable comeback?
Mathew: For decades, cable companies were the primary gatekeepers of television content. Though, the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ disrupted the industry, leading to a decline in traditional cable subscriptions. Now, cable providers are fighting back by integrating streaming services into their offerings. As a notable example, Comcast has been notably aggressive in its recent carriage deals with media companies. These agreements allow Comcast to bundle legacy media’s streaming services with its linear TV packages, creating a one-stop shop for consumers.
Editor: What are the advantages of bundling streaming services with cable TV?
Mathew: Bundling streaming services with cable TV offers several advantages. For consumers, it simplifies the process of accessing multiple platforms, eliminating the need for separate logins and subscriptions. For cable companies, it strengthens their position as the primary point of contact for entertainment.As I explained, “We’re just starting these conversations with some of the newer folks to say, how do we work together? How does one plus one equal three? And they’re excited about that.” However, challenges remain. Revenue and data sharing, as well as password efficiency, are meaningful hurdles that need to be addressed. Managing multiple logins for different streaming services can be cumbersome for users, a pain point cable companies aim to resolve.
Editor: Who is likely to become the dominant aggregator of streaming services?
Mathew: For years, industry watchers have debated who would become the dominant aggregator of streaming services. Would it be Amazon Channels, the Apple Store, or YouTube? The answer, it truly seems, may lie closer to home. Cable companies, with their established infrastructure and customer relationships, are uniquely positioned to serve as the primary aggregators of streaming content. As I noted, “Perhaps the answer will simply be the same aggregator for your TV over the last 50 years – your cable company.”
Editor: Can you provide some insights into subscriber numbers for key streaming services?
mathew: the streaming landscape is vast, with platforms like Paramount+ boasting 71 million subscribers in 2023. In contrast, smaller media-owned streaming apps and mini-bundle groups lag behind, with some totaling fewer than 18 million subscribers.
| Streaming Service | subscribers (2023) |
|---|---|
| Paramount+ | 71 million |
| mini-Bundle Groups | <18 million |
Editor: What does the future hold for streaming?
Mathew: As cable companies continue to innovate, the future of streaming looks increasingly integrated. By bundling services and simplifying access, they aim to reclaim their role as the central hub of home entertainment. For consumers, this could mean greater convenience and value. For the industry,it signals a shift toward collaboration and consolidation. As the streaming wars evolve, one thing is clear: cable companies are here to stay.
Disclosure: Comcast is the parent company of CNBC.
Stay informed about the latest trends in streaming and entertainment by exploring our 2024 Consumer Guide to Streaming Bundles.
