DEG DEN - 9.15.23 - Will Streamers Show Data to Settle Strikes?; Amazon Prime Using Football to Pitch Other Services; Byron Allen Offers $10B for ABC

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DEN Editor + Curator | Marcy Magiera (Marcy@degonline.org)

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Striking Writers and Actors Want More Streaming Data. Will Netflix, Streamers Give it to Them?

LA Times ($)

The battle for transparency in streaming data has become one of the biggest dividing lines in the ongoing actors’ and writers’ strikes, dual work stoppages that Hollywood hasn’t seen since the 1960s. Performers union SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America say video streaming services have benefited from the work of their members, and they want film and TV writers and actors to be rewarded when they make a hit. Read more

Disney to Cut Target for Disney+ Streaming Subscribers

Bloomberg ($)

Walt Disney Co. expects to fall tens of millions of subscribers short of its last publicly stated 2024 target for the Disney+ streaming service, according to people familiar with the matter. The goal of 215 million to 245 million subscribers was set in August 2022 by then-Chief Executive Officer Bob Chapek. In February, returning CEO Bob Iger said Disney would no longer provide subscriber forecasts, matching a decision at Netflix Inc. Read more

Amazon’s Prime Video Pitches HBO, Paramount+ and AMC+ Shows In New Marketing Campaign

The Hollywood Reporter

Prime Video is using its kickoff Thursday Night Football game tonight to launch the campaign, the first one to highlight its role as an original content provider but also as an aggregator of streaming services and content from the likes of Max, Paramount+ and AMC+. The campaign is kicking off with the 60-second commercial, which features Prime Video’s new tagline “Find Your Happy Place.” Read more

Fox CFO Skeptical of Streaming Sports, Says Cable Bundle is Still Better

Stream TV Insider

Speaking at the Bank of America Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference on Wednesday, Fox CFO Steve Tomsic said his company continues to believe the traditional cable bundle is the best way to get premium sports offerings in front of consumers in a way that drives value for media companies like his. Read more

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Talks Between WGA and AMPTP Are Expected to Resume Next Week

In a statement Thursday, the AMPTP said that leadership of the Writer’s Guild of America, which has been on strike since May, reached out to the trade association and asked to set up a meeting for further discussion. According to the AMPTP, a specific date for the meeting has yet to be scheduled, but is being planned for next week. Indie Wire

Without Spectrum, What’s the Future of Freeform and Disney’s Other Cable Channels?

Steven Cahall, the lead equity analyst at bank Wells Fargo, believes that 75 percent of the Disney cable channels will “disappear” (with 25 percent remaining in big bundles), he wrote in a Wednesday note to clients (and obtained by IndieWire). He sees Disney’s overall operating income taking a 6 percent hit; that’s more than $1 billion annually, which ain’t mouse crumbs. Indie Wire

Lawmakers Express Frustration Over Blackouts, Fee Hikes During Hearing On Streaming TV’s Future

Federal lawmakers this week expressed their frustration over rising cable and satellite television prices and numerous programming blackouts that have resulted in many of their constituents losing access to local news, network shows and live sports on pay TV systems several times over the last few years. Their annoyance was on full display at a three-hour hearing held by the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday. Stream TV Insider

Byron Allen Makes $10 Billion Offer for ABC, Other Disney Networks

Comedian and media mogul Byron Allen (pictured) has made a $10 billion offer for ABC and other linear networks owned by The Walt Disney Co., a spokesman for Allen and Allen Media Group confirmed. TV station owner Nexstar Media Group, which bought The CW network, also has expressed interest in buying ABC and its stations from Disney. Next TV