YouTube TV is Rebooting Its Basic Cable Package with Genre-Specific Bundles
Streaming services were initially designed to cut the cord and offer users on-demand content at a lower cost. However, over the years, many platforms have taken a more cable-like approach, incorporating ad-supported tiers, premium plans, bundles, and live programming into their offerings.
The trend has led to a situation where some streaming services are now competing with traditional cable providers for viewers' attention. YouTube TV is looking to break this cycle by introducing a new range of genre-specific channel bundles as part of its basic subscription package.
According to Christian Oestlien, VP of subscriptions at YouTube, the goal is to allow users more control over what they watch. "TV should be easy," he said in a blog post. "We want to let you tailor your subscription with more options."
The mini cable packages, dubbed YouTube TV Plans, will be launched early next year and are expected to offer cheaper alternatives to the current basic package. One specific plan, the Sports Plan, will grant access to major broadcasters and sports networks like FS1, NBC Sports Network, ESPN, and ESPN Unlimited.
These new bundles can be combined with other subscriptions, such as NFL Sunday Ticket and RedZone, which may be offered as add-ons. YouTube TV has been tight-lipped about the pricing details, but Oestlien confirmed that they will be cheaper than the current basic package, which costs $82 per month for over 100 channels.
The move comes after contentious negotiations with media partners, including Disney. The streaming service narrowly avoided blackouts of NBCUniversal and Fox channels earlier this year but did experience a 15-day blackout of Disney channels in November, which were eventually resolved through a carriage deal.
Oestlien acknowledged the challenges in negotiating with media partners, stating that "we spent the last year working really closely with our media partners." The data-driven approach has paid off, and YouTube TV is now poised to offer viewers more control over their subscription experience.
Streaming services were initially designed to cut the cord and offer users on-demand content at a lower cost. However, over the years, many platforms have taken a more cable-like approach, incorporating ad-supported tiers, premium plans, bundles, and live programming into their offerings.
The trend has led to a situation where some streaming services are now competing with traditional cable providers for viewers' attention. YouTube TV is looking to break this cycle by introducing a new range of genre-specific channel bundles as part of its basic subscription package.
According to Christian Oestlien, VP of subscriptions at YouTube, the goal is to allow users more control over what they watch. "TV should be easy," he said in a blog post. "We want to let you tailor your subscription with more options."
The mini cable packages, dubbed YouTube TV Plans, will be launched early next year and are expected to offer cheaper alternatives to the current basic package. One specific plan, the Sports Plan, will grant access to major broadcasters and sports networks like FS1, NBC Sports Network, ESPN, and ESPN Unlimited.
These new bundles can be combined with other subscriptions, such as NFL Sunday Ticket and RedZone, which may be offered as add-ons. YouTube TV has been tight-lipped about the pricing details, but Oestlien confirmed that they will be cheaper than the current basic package, which costs $82 per month for over 100 channels.
The move comes after contentious negotiations with media partners, including Disney. The streaming service narrowly avoided blackouts of NBCUniversal and Fox channels earlier this year but did experience a 15-day blackout of Disney channels in November, which were eventually resolved through a carriage deal.
Oestlien acknowledged the challenges in negotiating with media partners, stating that "we spent the last year working really closely with our media partners." The data-driven approach has paid off, and YouTube TV is now poised to offer viewers more control over their subscription experience.
"The best way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." - Walt Disney 
I'm hyped about this new development, but it's crazy how streaming services are mimicking traditional cable providers. Offering genre-specific bundles will definitely give users more control over their subscription experience. It's like they're cutting the cord, but still giving you a better deal? 
For me, it's either off or on. The more options you have, the harder it is to decide what to watch. Just make it easy and straightforward, you know? 
. The idea of genre-specific channel bundles sounds genius, especially the Sports Plan – who wouldn't want access to major broadcasters and sports networks? 
It's like having the best of both worlds: on-demand content AND live programming 
. No more hidden fees or surprises! 
. Can't wait to try out these new bundles and see what's in store for us 
!
or are they genuinely trying to give us more control over what we watch? 
either way, I think it's a positive step towards creating a more personalized and flexible streaming experience 
just think about it - you can pick what channel u wanna watch 
youtube tv is gettin ahead of the game 
theyre makin it easier 4 us to choose what we wanna watch 
and the sports plan sounds like a total win 
️ can't wait 2 see how this plays out 
i thought the point of cutting the cord was to have more control over what you watch, but now it just sounds like they're making it harder to choose what to watch? 
youtube tv is finally doing something about this basic cable package being super expensive 
like who has that kinda cash every month? anyway i think it's a great idea to have genre-specific bundles, like sports or news or comedy 
! the fact that its cheaper than the basic package is a total win too 
.
. it's about time someone listened to users like us and said "hey, we get that cable isn't dying out after all" 
especially if they can make them more affordable than the basic package 