ProSieben and Discovery unveil SVOD service

The multi-channel streaming platform called Joyn will bundle live and on-demand content of more than 50 channels from ProSieben and Discovery along with 15 other content partners in one platform and app interface.

The duo claimed it will be the most “extensive on-demand offering” of original series, shows, previews and local content.

Exclusive content will be available on Joyn seven days ahead of its scheduled TV broadcast and 30 days after on its catch-up feature which is available on smartphones, tablets, web and smart TVs.

Joyn chief executive and managing director Alexandar Vassilev said: “As the truly local premium platform, we are aiming to transform the German video entertainment market.

“Our focus is exclusively on the needs of our audiences and we commit to actively listen and reflect their feedback as we make our platform a success.”

The beta version of Joyn will be live this month to selected users ahead of its official launch in June where it will integrate the Eurosport Player and ProSieben’s Maxdome.

Joyn will showcase a variety of exclusive and original content including season three of the hit series Jerks, starring Christian Ulmen and Fahri Yardim, as well as an exclusive preview of new series Die Läusemutter.

The platform will continue to add content throughout the year according to ProSieben and Discovery with originals including ProSieben co-produced Check Check and Frau Jordan stellt gleich will be shown exclusively on Joyn.

The launch was announced ahead of ProSiebenSat.1 unveiling Q1 results that it characterised as “a good start” to the year, despite a weak advertising market, according to chief executive Max Conze.

The group posted revenues of €913 million, which was up 4% and saw a 38% rise for its production arm Red Arrow Studios and a boost of 25% for its e-commerce business NuCom Group.

Conze said: “We are investing in the future of our business and concentrating on our priorities: Our unique streaming platform Joyn will play a decisive role.

“We are progressing our technology roadmap especially on smart reach and working on a consistent reach currency.”

In the next month, ProSieben will focus on the market launch of our streaming platform with Discovery which will be ad-funded with subscription options expected later this year, according to Reuters.

Conze has spent two million euros of his own money in the last six months buying ProSieben shares in a move to build a digital media and e-commerce powerhouse.

The announcement has seen local rivals ramping up its TV offerings, with RTL Group increasing its TV Now streaming services in Germany and Freenet adding subscribers at waipu.tv.

• Read more Germany launches first 5G TV trial