Discovery Networks To Go OTT

The merger of Discovery Communications and Scripps Networks is almost complete. And with the merger comes yet another example of a major programming conglomerate deciding to bypass cable and go over the top (OTT) with a streaming bundle of their channels.

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The Wall Street Journal reports that the new direct-to-consumer content bundle will cost "as little as" $6.00 a month and will include 19 channels from the new merged content company, including both live and archived content. The announcement comes just a few months after Disney announced its own package of streaming services that will include both archived and original content, including a new series based on the Star Wars universe. The new Disney service, which is said to not include ESPN content, is expected to debut in 2019.

As more and more programming conglomerates go over the top, it will be interesting to see the impact on consumer's interest in traditional pay TV packages. In case you're wondering, the NCTC master agreement for Discovery Communications urns through 12/31/2021 and the Scripps Networks deal goes until 9/30/2020.