YouTube TV is revamping its basic cable package by offering genre-specific channel bundles, a move that marks a significant shift from its previous on-demand streaming model. The subscription service aims to provide users with greater control over their viewing experience, allowing them to tailor their subscriptions to their individual preferences.
The new bundles will be called YouTube TV Plans and are expected to debut later this year. While only one specific plan has been announced, the YouTube TV Sports Plan will grant access to major broadcasters and sports networks like FS1, NBC Sports Network, as well as all of the ESPN networks and ESPN Unlimited.
These smaller portfolios of content can be combined, with add-ons such as NFL Sunday Ticket and RedZone available separately. Prices for the bite-sized plans have not been disclosed, but they will reportedly be cheaper than YouTube TV's current basic package, which includes over 100 channels for $82 per month.
The move comes after contentious negotiations between YouTube TV and various media partners earlier this year. The streaming service narrowly avoided blackouts of NBCUniversal and Fox channels before reaching a deal with Disney in November, ending a 15-day blackout of Disney channels, including ABC and ESPN.
YouTube's CEO Christian Oestlien emphasized the importance of giving viewers greater control over their viewing experience. "TV should be easy," he said. "Our goal is to let you tailor your subscription with more options." The new bundles are part of YouTube TV's effort to adapt to changing consumer preferences, which have led to a blurring of lines between streaming services and traditional cable TV.
The new bundles will be called YouTube TV Plans and are expected to debut later this year. While only one specific plan has been announced, the YouTube TV Sports Plan will grant access to major broadcasters and sports networks like FS1, NBC Sports Network, as well as all of the ESPN networks and ESPN Unlimited.
These smaller portfolios of content can be combined, with add-ons such as NFL Sunday Ticket and RedZone available separately. Prices for the bite-sized plans have not been disclosed, but they will reportedly be cheaper than YouTube TV's current basic package, which includes over 100 channels for $82 per month.
The move comes after contentious negotiations between YouTube TV and various media partners earlier this year. The streaming service narrowly avoided blackouts of NBCUniversal and Fox channels before reaching a deal with Disney in November, ending a 15-day blackout of Disney channels, including ABC and ESPN.
YouTube's CEO Christian Oestlien emphasized the importance of giving viewers greater control over their viewing experience. "TV should be easy," he said. "Our goal is to let you tailor your subscription with more options." The new bundles are part of YouTube TV's effort to adapt to changing consumer preferences, which have led to a blurring of lines between streaming services and traditional cable TV.