DISH Network’s Sling TV is putting over-the-top (OTT) TV on a diet with its “skinny bundle.” Launched last week in beta, this new Sling TV package will cost subscribers $20 a month and allow for three simultaneous streams on different devices rather than just one. It can be purchased as a stand-alone streaming service or in conjunction with Sling TV’s single-stream service.
The skinny bundle will consist primarily of Fox programming, including content from FOX Broadcasting, FOX Sports, FX, National Geographic, AMC, A&E, Turner, Scripps, EPIX and Univision. In 17 markets including Atlanta, Chicago, New York and San Francisco, subscribers can also access live local content from FOX owned and operated broadcast stations and FOX Sports Regional Networks. It will not, however, include the Disney Channel, Freeform, ESPN or ESPN2.
Image courtesy of Sling TV
“Since launch, our customers have asked for more channels and multiple streams,” said Roger Lynch, CEO of Sling TV in a statement. “We believe our new multi-stream service, anchored by a strong lineup of Fox content, including top franchises like ‘Empire’ and ‘The Americans’ on FOX and FX, as well as access to Major League Baseball in 15 markets, including the New York Yankees, is the first step in answering their requests.”
“We look forward to incorporating our customers’ feedback throughout the beta phase as we evolve the multi-stream service to include additional channels, features and functionality,” he added.
For a more customized experience, subscribers can add “Extras” to their service, including “Hollywood Extra,” “Lifestyle Extra,” “World News Extra,” HBO and Cinemax.
Fox Networks Group President and Chief Operating Officer Randy Freer commented on the partnership:
“We’re proud to partner with Dish and Sling TV to offer our brands FOX Broadcasting, FX, National Geographic and FOX Sports as part of Sling TV’s multi-stream service. This flexible platform, which allows viewers to access our industry-leading programming, ranging from ‘Empire’ to ‘American Crime Story,’ the World Series, the Super Bowl and our massively popular local sports, at home or on the go, reflects our commitment to providing the consumer with a better and more seamless TV experience.”
Insider Take:
As the desire for à la carte entertainment grows, competition in the OTT market gets tougher every day. Streaming services like Sling TV who are nimble and adapt to their audience’s needs will be the most successful. As one of the first OTT services, Sling TV launched in February 2015, offering a single-stream package with 15 channels for $20 a month and no contract.
After listening to its customers’ feedback, it adapted its bundle to accommodate its existing subscribers and prospective subscribers who don’t want the Disney Channel and who have families that stream video simultaneously on different devices. This is a smart play, and one we hope to see other OTT companies duplicate – different packages to meet the needs of different audiences.
