Streaming
News articles and original analysis on the topics of streaming media; connected television (CTV); free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST), ad-supported video on-demand (AVOD), subscription video on-demand (SVOD), virtual multi-video programming distributors (vMVPD), streaming audio services, social video platforms, smart TV platforms and streaming hardware manufacturers.

Plex to raise price of lifetime pass to $750 in July
Plex is raising the price of its lifetime Plex Pass to $750, a move the company says will allow it to continue developing new features and better apps.

Fox Nation to offer Jeff Foxworthy stand-up special in June
Fox Nation will debut a new stand-up special from comedian Jeff Foxworthy next month, Fox News Media announced this week.

Comcast’s Sky News launches paid podcast offering
The subscription supports Sky News’ broader shift toward a digital-first business under its Sky News 2030 initiative.

Discovery Plus added to Spectrum TV plans
Spectrum TV customers on eligible plans now have access to the ad-supported tier of Discovery Plus as part of their service.

Versant platform revenue increases during Q1, total revenue slips
Versant’s first-quarter profit fell as TV distribution and ad revenue weakened, though growth at Fandango, GolfNow and content licensing softened the decline.
EARNINGS REPORT

Parks Associates: Tubi is most-used free streaming service in U.S. homes
Tubi, the Roku Channel and Pluto TV top Parks Associates' list of most-used free streaming apps in American broadband-connected homes.
DATA

Gracenote: CTV budgets would improve with stronger show-level data
More marketers would shift their budgets to connected TV from traditional channels if better show-level reporting signals were available, Gracenote says.
DATA

TV broadcasters partner with OpenAP to create new ad exposure standards
Several large broadcasters have partnered with OpenAP toward a new industry initiative aimed at creating standards for measuring ad exposure on TV.

CNN launches “lifestyle” app for weather forecasts
After registration, the CNN Weather app promises contextual weather forecasts, coupled with expert analysis from a fleet of meteorologists and reporters.

California AG: “Red flags everywhere” in Paramount-Warner Bros deal
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the state is still weighing whether to bring a legal challenge against Paramount over its proposed acquisition of WBD.
FIRST ON THE DESK

Fox rakes in nearly $4 billion in revenue during fiscal Q3
The lack of a Super Bowl event this year compared to last weighed on television revenue, but TV-related EBITDA increased during fiscal Q3.
EARNINGS REPORT

DIRECTV Advertising launches new “Metaphor” campaign tied to Upfronts
The campaign includes digital out-of-home placements, experiential activations, digital video, trade publication ads and social media marketing
FIRST ON THE DESK