All articles tagged with #cord cutting
Roku adds six new free live channels to The Roku Channel across compatible devices, including CW/WWE content, indie cinema on cindietv, Real American Voice in E3, LATiunus (Spanish-language), Danny Duncan TV, and AMP; the channels are accessible via channel numbers 5247, 1025, 925, 924, 580, and 577 and require no subscription beyond ad-supported viewing, signaling Roku’s ongoing push to expand free linear streaming.
EchoStar Corp.’s Dish DBS is moving toward a Chapter 11 filing to restructure roughly $25 billion of debt as traditional pay-TV subscribers fall away and regulatory scrutiny of its wireless spectrum weighs on its strategy; the pre‑arranged plan aims to deleverage while allowing Dish Network, Sling TV and Boost Mobile to operate normally, backed by creditor support for an expedited process—minimizing immediate customer disruption while potentially reshaping the competitive telecom/media landscape.
The 72nd Monaco Grand Prix takes place June 7 at 9 a.m. ET on the street circuit (78 laps, 161.7 miles). In the U.S., the race streams exclusively on Apple TV, with access to the full F1 season for Apple TV subscribers; new users can start with a seven-day free trial, then $12.99/month, and Apple TV is also available through Prime Video at the same price. Pole sits Kimi Antonelli with Verstappen second and Hamilton third; Leclerc starts fourth.
Cord-cutting headlines this week include CBC discontinuing its Documentary Channel on traditional cable and satellite in August 2026 to launch a new free ad-supported streaming channel on CBC Gem, boosted by seven million dollars for expanded documentary content; Walmart unveils two affordable ONN tablets—the 8.1-inch Core and 13-inch Pro—priced around $138 and $288 respectively, built for streaming and everyday use; Paramount quietly folds Showtime’s standalone site into Paramount+, while Pluto TV tightens access by requiring a free account for full features, signaling ongoing shifts toward free/hybrid streaming and device-friendly options.
Disney will keep ESPN inside the company under new CEO Josh D’Amaro, signaling a reluctance to spin off the sports network as it doubles down on streaming, with ESPN available via traditional cable, Hulu/Disney+ bundles, and potential minority partnerships; the decision could be revisited in the future.
Charter's Spectrum posted Q1 2026 subscriber losses across internet and video, with 120,000 internet customers and 60,000 video customers leaving. Total customer relationships fell 163,000 to 31.7 million and connectivity declined 120,000 to 30.5 million. Revenue dipped 1% to $13.6 billion, adjusted EBITDA declined 2.2%, and free cash flow dropped 12.3%, even as mobile lines grew by 368,000 as Spectrum pursues network upgrades and rural broadband expansion amid intensified fiber and streaming competition.
Roku rolled out a long-awaited live TV guide search feature to simplify discovery across its free ad-supported channels, while Comcast and Charter/Spectrum saw substantial broadband subscriber losses—part of a broader cord-cutting wave into 2026. YouTube TV also split Cartoon Network and Adult Swim into separate channels, requiring manual navigation to switch between them and signaling ongoing evolution in streaming lineups and how viewers access family-friendly versus mature content.
YouTube TV began a phased rollout of genre-specific subscription plans, adding over 10 tailored tiers (Sports, Sports + News, Sports + News + Entertainment, Entertainment, and News + Entertainment + Family) with monthly prices ranging from $54.99 to $77.99, while keeping the traditional base plan available. The plans preserve core features like unlimited cloud DVR, multiview, up to six accounts, and add-ons. ESPN Unlimited is promised at no extra cost on the Sports plan later this fall. Users can switch plans in the app with immediate price adjustments; downgrades may trigger channel loss and affects recordings for 21 days, though existing add-ons carry over. Availability will expand to all eligible U.S. subscribers in coming weeks, with regional channel variations and occasional promotional pricing for new subscribers.
NBC will broadcast Super Bowl LX 2026 on Peacock, but there’s no free trial anymore and the base live plan starts at $10.99/month. Cord-cutters can also use other live-TV services (YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu with Live TV) if they carry NBC, though they’ll pay more and may need to cancel after the game. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Rogue streaming devices like SuperBox and vSeeBox are surging in popularity as viewers push back against rising pay-TV and streaming costs, spawning a sprawling reseller economy that promises thousands of channels and on-demand content—often via pirated sources—while drawing lawsuits and security concerns; many users mix these boxes with legitimate services, signaling a tense, evolving landscape for TV consumption.
YouTube TV is rolling out a redesigned mobile Live Guide for Android and iOS that mirrors the TV interface with a denser, cable-like layout: left-aligned channel icons, right-side program bubbles showing titles, times, and progress, a bottom 'Jump to live' button, and long-press previews that reveal episode details and quick actions like add-to-library, reminders, or direct channel navigation.
A survey indicates that 24% of YouTube TV subscribers have canceled or plan to cancel due to the Disney blackout, which has led to frustration over missing key sports content and a potential spike in churn if the dispute continues. Many users are seeking alternative ways to access Disney networks, and the company plans a small credit if the blackout persists, but most feel it won't compensate for the loss of popular channels.
NFL RedZone is offering free access this weekend across various streaming platforms, allowing fans to watch every touchdown without extra cost, as part of a promotion to boost viewership and engagement during the mid-season.
YouTube TV subscribers are currently unable to watch the Georgia-Florida college football game due to the expiration of their contract with Disney/ESPN, with negotiations ongoing for a new deal. Alternatives for viewers include ESPN's own streaming service, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo TV, or traditional cable, as the game is scheduled to be broadcast on ABC at 3:30 p.m. ET.
ESPN and ABC channels have been removed from YouTube TV due to a failed negotiation, affecting live sports broadcasts like college football and Monday Night Football, leaving consumers without access to these channels until a resolution is reached.