Comcast plans to launch another streaming service in 2025 – here’s what that means for Peacock
It looks like a new challenger to the top streaming services is on the way next year, as CNBC is set to launch its own standalone offering, CNBC Plus. According to Varietythe new service will be launched in the first quarter of next year and will be available worldwide.
The service will not offer any original programming at launch, but will instead be the streaming home of all of CNBC’s linear programming. It’s certainly a niche service, and perhaps one that won’t attract many new viewers, but when you consider how much of the network’s viewership takes place outside of the home, in a business environment, it’s a potential gold mine for those looking to spend their commute to catch up on the day’s news before they end up in the office or on the trading floor. At the very least, it should have more legs than Warner Bros.’ ill-fated CNN Plus. Discovery – here’s how to watch CNN from anywhere in the world if you’re wondering.
This all seems to be part of NBCUniversal’s plan to split its cable networks and spin them off into its own company, tentatively called SpinCo. This includes not only CNBC, but also entertainment networks such as SyFy and USA. The idea is that the struggling networks, removed from the conglomerate monster NBCU, will be able to reinvest in themselves, rather than have their capital swallowed up by that monster. It will also make Comcast look better at investor meetings, with subscription giant Peacock taking center stage and the declining networks being pushed aside.
What does this mean for Pauw?
That CNBC Plus is launching without original programming and is indeed being removed from the corporate umbrella will likely be a concern for Peacock users who have thus far been able to enjoy some of the network’s programming as part of their subscription. While it is by no means a comprehensive offering, CNBC leaders is available on the streamer and while the Peacock livestream from Squawbox ended earlier this year, but is still available via catch-up.
With the new service in desperate need of exclusive streaming content, it’s likely that all CNBC programming will be pulled from NBCU’s flagship streamer, although we have to say nothing has been confirmed at this time. And it’s worth keeping in mind that this isn’t NBCU’s first attempt to transition their current affairs programming into online services following the creation of the NBC News NOW streaming service.
It remains to be seen what exactly NBCU’s piece will be here, though we expect some answers soon. It’s certainly a potential cause for concern for Peacock subscribers, but for those who want that iconic ticker anytime, it seems like exciting times ahead.
