DirecTV has struck a deal with Paramount Global to distribute its owned-and-operated broadcast channels and cable networks through its novel, low-cost genre-based streaming TV packages, the company announced on Thursday.
As part of the deal, DirecTV said it now has the ability to launch a fifth package that offers children-focused channels, called MyKids, which will include networks like Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, the Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Discovery Family for $20 per month.
The MyKids package will build on DirecTV’s commitment of offering access to third-party streaming platforms by including the ad-supported tier of Disney Plus at no extra cost, the company said.
DirecTV’s other genre-based packages will also get a refresh thanks to the Paramount deal:
- MySports, priced at $70 per month, will now include CBS-owned broadcast stations in major markets like New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento and Philadelphia, among others. The package will also offer CBS Sports Network.
- MyEntertainment, which costs $35 per month, will be updated to include BET, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, MTV2, Paramount Network, Pop TV, TV Land and VH1.
- MyNews, priced at $40 per month, will include CBS-owned broadcast stations in markets where the channels are available.
- MiEspañol will add Tr3s, a channel formerly known as MTV Tres.
DirecTV is also adding The Smithsonian Channel to its MyCinema Mini Pack, which offers an expanded line-up of movie-focused channels like Great American Family, Sony Movies and Turner Classic Movies for an extra $10 per month when paired with another genre-based package.
“With MyKids, we’re bringing together the most trusted networks and beloved characters from the biggest names in kids’ entertainment, including full channel lineups from Disney and Nickelodeon, along with Disney Plus, all in one place,” Vince Torres, the Chief Marketing Officer at DirecTV, said in a statement. “And, by introducing our most affordable package yet at $19.99 per month, we’re making it easier for more families to access the content they care about most. It’s about giving families more flexibility, more value, and the confidence that they’re getting the very best for their kids.”
There is one limitation with DirecTV’s new MyKids package: Cartoon Network, which time-shares with Adult Swim, won’t be offered around-the-clock, according to a person familiar with the matter. The channel will become unavailable to MyKids subscribers during the evening, when Adult Swim begins its programming block of animated sitcoms and similar shows, unless DirecTV subscribers also have MyEntertainment.
Still, DirecTV’s genre-based packages offer an attractive option for frugal streamers who want access to linear channels and network-owned streaming via a low-price programming bundle. In the MyEntertainment streaming pack, DirecTV customers get access to Disney Plus, Hulu and Max at no extra cost; in MySports, access to ESPN Plus is included in the price.
One notable absence is Paramount Plus, which offers next-day access to shows from CBS and Paramount’s cable networks, along with programming from Showtime. While Paramount Plus is bundled with linear networks on some other pay TV platforms, that doesn’t appear to be the case with DirecTV’s genre-based packages.
Still, the addition of Paramount-owned cable networks throughout DirecTV’s genre-based offerings improves the value proposition of those plans, especially since subscribers won’t be subjected to a price increase for the time being.
“DirecTV is a valued partner, and we are pleased to expand our long-standing relationship by featuring our wide array of leading programming in DirecTV’s growing portfolio of Genre Packs,” said Ray Hopkins, the President of U.S. Distribution at Paramount. “Paramount is committed to exceptional content across broadcast, entertainment, news and sports, and we look forward to continuing to provide additional opportunities for audiences to broadly access and enjoy our fan-favorite programming and brands.”
“Paramount is one of the world’s most influential programmers, and its broad portfolio – including the CBS Network local stations – provides essential channels to many of our different Genre Packs,” Rob Thun, the Chief Content Officer at DirecTV, said in a statement. “Together, these combined services create a strong foundation for a more dynamic TV future, one that gives DirecTV subscribers enhanced choice and control through our industry-leading genre-based options.”
To learn more about DirecTV’s genre-based packages, click or tap here.
