Aug 6, 2019 - Economy & Business

Traditional networks revamp offerings for digital consumption

TV Plus on top of a podium

Illustration: Axios Visuals

As the TV news market rapidly transforms, traditional networks are revamping their offerings, with new channels, features and distribution deals designed for digital consumption.

Driving the news: Altice has launched News 12+, a local equivalent of a headline news channel. The product is basically meant for out-of-home television viewing at bars, restaurants and shops in the New York metropolitan area where the News 12 franchises operate.

  • The station will have ongoing news, hyperlocal updates, traffic and weather as well as a few exclusive shows — similar to the type of network content that is available in the back of taxis.
  • Bloomberg recently launched "Bloomberg TV+" — which is basically a digital streaming version of its TV service, that can be viewed on mobile or computer screens, per AdWeek.

The big picture: In an era where every media company is trying to remake itself, there are now more "TV+" options than ever before.

  • Disney launched "ESPN+," a digital subscription version of its flagship network last year.
  • It also plans to launch "Disney+," a subscription service that gives users access to most of its content library.
  • Apple says "Apple TV+" will launch this fall as a subscription TV service with original content available on-demand or offline.
  • There are plenty of other "plusses" to go around, from "The CW Plus" to "Fox Soccer Plus."
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