UK broadcaster ITV has launched its new and expanded streaming service ITVX, in a slew of streamer launches across the globe.

Replacing ITV Hub as the online home of all ITV content, the new ad supported streaming service offers an improved product experience as well as more and exclusive programmes to stream for free.

5. Streamers

Streamer launches

ITVX is offering 10,000 hours of content in high definition, and will also drop new and exclusive programmes every week of the year.

All ITV’s channels are available to livestream through ITVX, as well as additional FAST channels, and a dedicated news section on ITVX.

ITV’s chief executive Carolyn McCall said: “We’re really excited to launch ITVX, with more content available than ever before, and a whole range of exclusive commissions. ITVX is powered by a significant, streaming-first commissioning budget, and an integrated technology and data platform providing a high quality, and more personalised viewing and advertising experience, that will continue to evolve in 2023 and beyond.”

Paramount+ debuts in Germany

Streaming service Paramount+ has launched in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, taking its global footprint to 45 markets.

The service earlier launched in France on 1 December.

Subscribers will have access to original content including Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, The Man Who Fell To Earth and Yellowstone, with titles from brands including CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, Showtime and the Smithsonian Channel.

Local content headed to the service includes German originals such as Der Scheich, Spotlight and Simon Beckett’s Chemistry Of Death.

Marco Nobili, EVP and International GM of Paramount+, commented: “There is no doubt 2022 has been the year of global expansion for Paramount+. With the latest launch in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, and France last week, we are now streaming in key markets in North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Australia and soon in India. With our unbeatable content offering to entertain the entire family, deployed across such a vast footprint, we are well-positioned to continue our momentum in 2023.”

Disney+ Basic arrives in US

Disney+ has launched its ad-supported tier in the US.

The Disney+ Basic subscription is priced at $7.99 a month, in return for the inclusion of commercials from more than 100 advertisers.

Disney+ Basic subscribers can access the full content catalogue and key product features that are also offered on a Disney+ Premium plan, which costs $10.99 a month.

“Today’s launch marks a milestone moment for Disney+ and puts consumer choice at the forefront,” said Michael Paull, president, Direct to Consumer. “With these new ad-supported offerings, we’re able to deliver greater flexibility for consumers to enjoy the full breadth and depth of incredible storytelling from The Walt Disney Company.”

Disney+ Basic launches with advertisers and from major agency holding companies including Dentsu, Havas, Horizon, IPG, Omnicom Group, Publicis, RPA, Stagwell, and WPP.

Disney+ Basic subscribers will not have access to Premium features like Downloads or GroupWatch and SharePlay, as well as Dolby Atmos, at launch.

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