Foxtel to launch entertainment streaming platform May 25
Foxtel has finally announced the launch date for its entertainment streaming platform, with the service set to launch May 25.
The platform will offer users with more than 10,000 hours of local and international drama and movies, according to the pay TV service, and comes following the multi-year HBO deal.
Foxtel’s new multi-year deal with HBO is likely to delay the launch of HBO Max in Australia and helped provide Foxtel’s streaming platform with premium content
It isn’t yet known what the name of the platform will be or the subscription model, but it’s likely to be similar to that of Foxtel’s sports streaming service Kayo which operates on a $25 per month subscription-free model.
The platform will include content from HBO, Sony, NBCU, FX and the BBC. CEO Patrick Delany said he’s confident it will offer all the entertainment Australian consumers desire.
“We have been beta-testing the service for a few weeks and we are sure Australians will love everything about it. It brings an exciting new brand to younger streaming audiences with a very different and compelling product experience, and a distinctly curated mix of the best drama and movies from the world’s best entertainment brands,” said Delany.
“The launch will be another milestone in the Foxtel Group’s strategy to transform ourselves and bring our unparalleled catalogue of entertainment and sports to even more viewers in Australia. Our goal is to consolidate our position as Australia’s preeminent subscription television and streaming provider.”
Describing streaming as Foxtel’s ‘growth engine’, Delany said the purpose of the new model is to target consumers who want the premium content Foxtel offers without committing to the product’s pricier packages or ongoing subscriptions.
Full details of the new entertainment streaming service including its name, pricing packages and content will be announced later this week.
Foxtel has seen its plans for the coming years accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing it to stand down a number of staff and cutting upwards of 350 jobs across the business. Without live sport, Kayo’s subscription numbers have taken a hit and the Fox Sports business has been stripped of budget.
The business also recently cut its locally produced music channels in favour of international agreements with ViacomCBS.
What? Another platform???
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Will current Foxtel Subscription holders get access?
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What’s the difference between this and Foxtel Now, which has On Demand in it? What about those then that would get Kayo for sport, no bundles?
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Hhmmm,
Really? Another re-hash / re-brand of the same product? The only asset is a subscriber base – and that is dwindling. Just doesn’t seem viable any more.
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