American free ad-supported streaming service owned by Paramount Skydance Direct-to-Consumer
Ofcom has found 26% of UK viewers now turn to Netflix first when choosing what to watch, narrowly ahead of the BBC on 25%, while ITV is first for 15%. YouTube viewing has surged: TV viewing of YouTube has doubled since 2022 to 19 minutes a day and total daily YouTube time is 41 minutes. Traditional broadcasters’ weekly reach has fallen to 70%.
A coalition of 12 U.S. states has secured a 14-day pause on Paramount’s $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, pending a ruling on a preliminary injunction. The deal remains under antitrust review globally as regulators weigh competition, pricing, and content implications for theaters, networks, and streaming platforms.
Paramount+ is rolling out a free, ad-supported tier and testing micro dramas as part of a broader product revamp. The moves are designed to attract new users, boost engagement, and drive future subscriptions, while streaming peers remain constrained by antitrust scrutiny over Paramount’s potential WBD acquisition.
NBCUniversal and YouTube strike a multi-year deal to integrate Peacock Premium into YouTube Premium in the U.S. from early 2027. Peacock content will be accessible inside YouTube without extra charge for Premium subscribers, with live sports and NBCU shows featured. The move aims to broaden Peacock’s reach, boost ads, and strengthen YouTube Premium’s offering.
Disney is exploring a free, ad-supported streaming tier to widen reach and boost ad revenue, while noting no near-term launch. The company cites a price-sensitive audience and higher ad inventory as catalysts for growth.