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Disney Reportedly Planning to Bring Cable-Style Always-On Channels to Disney+

What’s old is new again, as Disney is reportedly planning to reintroduce 24/7 cable-style television channels, but on Disney+. By: Kritchanon Tan Kian Wei

US - A recent report from media company The Information has revealed that Disney is exploring the possibility of bringing back cable-style, always-on channels to the Disney+ streaming service, in an effort to get subscribers to spend more time on the app and earn additional ad revenue whilst removing the need to select what to watch.

Though free, ad-supported streaming (FAST) services like Pluto TV and Tubi already exist in the US, it seems that Disney’s take on always-on channels will require an active Disney+ subscription, despite plans to run ads on those channels, similar to the days of cable TV when channels like Disney Channel ran ads and charged for subscriptions. The 24/7 channels will reportedly be based on Disney’s tentpole brands, like Pixar, Marvel as well as Star Wars, and provide viewers with an easier way to enjoy Disney’s expansive content library while minimising decision paralysis.

Disney’s reported blending of old cable-style television with new internet streaming television is part of a larger “cable-ification” trend, as FAST services have seen growing popularity in regions they are available, while other platforms like Prime Video and Peacock also offer such always-on streaming options, particularly for events like live sports.

The news comes after Disney+ recently rebranded itself with a new colour scheme after Hulu merged into the Disney+ app, and also comes after Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed in a CNCB interview that Disney+’s password sharing crackdown will begin in selected markets from June 2024, before expanding globally in September 2024.

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