Warner Bros. Discovery has been making waves in the streaming industry with the announcement of its upcoming free streaming service, WBTV. However, since the initial announcement, the company has been fairly quiet about the service, focusing more on updates regarding its flagship streaming platform, Max. With many questions surrounding WBTV, let’s delve into what we can expect from this new offering and why it has taken longer to launch.
The decision to enter the free streaming market is a strategic move by Warner Bros. Discovery, influenced by the success of platforms like Pluto TV. By offering some of its content for free, the company aims to attract viewers and subsequently drive subscriptions to its paid service, Max. This approach is similar to the model adopted by Pluto TV, where older seasons of popular shows are made available for free, enticing viewers to pay for access to newer seasons. Ultimately, Warner Bros. Discovery hopes that WBTV will serve as a valuable promotional tool for Max.
Furthermore, the company recognizes the potential of the growing ad-supported TV market. Warner Bros. Discovery intends to leverage its extensive collection of older content to generate ad revenue, while simultaneously promoting its paid services. Once the WBTV service is established, the company can effortlessly package older content to serve as a source of revenue and an effective marketing tool for Max.
In terms of content, Warner Bros. Discovery boasts an extensive catalog from various entities such as Discovery, Scripps, and Warner Bros. This content library will serve as the foundation for WBTV, with a mix of both new and older shows. Similar to Pluto TV’s approach, WBTV will heavily rely on older content to generate revenue and entice viewers to explore Warner Bros. Discovery’s other offerings.
Considering Warner Bros. Discovery’s recent deals with popular streaming platforms like Tubi and The Roku Channel, it is reasonable to assume that WBTV will also feature a collection of older HBO programming. This move aims to attract viewers who are familiar with HBO content and entice them to explore WBTV as a precursor to subscribing to Max.
While we eagerly await the launch of WBTV, Warner Bros. Discovery has been tight-lipped about the service’s plans. Recent deals with Tubi and The Roku Channel suggest that the launch is not imminent. During a recent earnings call, JB Perrette, CEO and president for global streaming and games, expressed the company’s objective to maximize monetization opportunities by exploring a second, third, and fourth window for content. The company is also considering an owned-and-operated strategy in the long run.
Perrette acknowledged the importance of timing, stating that it is crucial to bring WBTV to market when demand is sufficient. Until then, Warner Bros. Discovery will continue to execute its hybrid strategy of partnering with syndicated channels like Tubi and The Roku Channel while gradually building towards the launch of its own service.
While there are still many unknowns surrounding WBTV, it is evident that Warner Bros. Discovery is committed to entering the free streaming market. As we eagerly anticipate further updates, the company is focused on establishing strong partnerships and viewing WBTV as a long-term project with the potential to make a significant impact in the industry.
