Disney pulls channels from Foxtel
Disney has continued the consolidation of where its content can be legally accessed, pulling its channels from subscription TV platform Foxtel.
The move comes following the launch of Disney’s own streaming service, Disney+, last year, and the removal of the Disney Movie channel in November. The Disney Channel and Disney Junior will now be removed at the end of February.
Disney is ensuring Disney+ will be the only way to watch its content by removing its content from other providers
A spokesperson for Foxtel confirmed with Mumbrella the exit was expected.
“As anticipated, following the launch of Disney+ and consistent with our confirmation last year that Disney content would progressively come off Foxtel commencing with Movies in November 2019, the Disney Channel and Disney Junior will also be leaving Foxtel at the end of February,” said the spokesperson.
“Foxtel will continue to deliver a wide range of kids content on popular channels such as CBeebies, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr, Cartoon Network and Boomerang as well as the ability to access ABC Kids on iQ3 and iQ4 set top boxes.”
Disney+ launched in Australia on November 19, 2019. It’s cheaper than both Netflix and Stan at $8.99 per month, or $89 for a full year. Stan CEO Mike Sneesby said the launch would be “terrific for everybody” ahead of its debut.
Disney also made the decision to end its partnership with Stan which saw the Nine-owned streaming platform offer the entire Marvel movie catalogue.
Disney reported in its annual earnings that it had reached 26.5m paying subscribers globally before the end of 2019.
It also recently launched its first campaign in Australia and New Zealand for Disney+, featuring Rove McManus, Ash Barty and Ricki-Lee Coulter.
Foxtel have tough times ahead. Content consolidation will see more distributors pull their channels, sport viewership is in decline, and is being cannibalised by their own product in Kayo.
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