The service could debut as soon as next year.
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A YouTube spokeswoman declined to comment. More recently YouTube rolled out Red, its first paid subscription service that lets viewers skip the ads and watch original movies and TV shows for $10/month. Hopefully we’ll hear more about the service during Google’s big I/O conference (Google’s big developer shindig) later this month. Comedy Central might be included, and the lifestyle bundle might include the Style Network.
YouTube reportedly hopes to offer so-called “skinny bundles” of programming in 2017 at less than $35 a month, and would include the four major broadcast channels along with a selection of popular cable channels. Other companies like Apple and Amazon were rumored to be considering similar live TV streaming deals like this in the past, and based on this report, looks like they may push ahead with it.
According to Bloomberg, YouTube executives in the U.S. have already been in discussion with cable channels in the USA over the deal, which could offer an alternative to online streaming services such as Netflix, as well as “live” cable services.
We don’t know yet for instance if YouTube Unplugged will be added to YouTube Red, available as an add-on to YouTube Red, or if it will only be available separately on the site.
There are a couple of bundle models that YouTube is now exploring, including bundles based on channel themes, or bundles based on specific shows. Many viewers would rather pay for only those channels they actually watch.
YouTube wants to use cable content to kill cable.
For years now consumers have been trying to find ways to ditch their cable providers, but cutting the cord on live TV is just too much for avid fans of some programs.
With tech companies placing more emphasis on TV, and media companies looking for new distribution, executives are more optimistic about concluding negotiations, the people said.
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In addition to Playstation Vue and Sling TV, there are a number of other companies aiming to launch online subscription services that would carry some traditional networks.
