Will CBS All Access Remain Viable in the Streaming Wars?

[Masiral]

Showtime has Homeland and Shameless.

Putting all that stuff there and keeping the price at the same rate would make it more competitive. Netflix's original pitch was a ton of content at 10 bucks a month.

Hulu has Homeland (produced by Fox, now owned by Disney); Netflix has Shameless (produced by Warner Brothers). CBS doesn't actually own either of them. And they're not going to sell premium content at a lower rate.

I think kids would care more about Slongebob then Star Trek. Titanic was a Paramount film and one of the biggest films of all time, you don't think that library of films would not attract more customers ? Does CBS All Access even have all the Star Trek films? How are they using Star Trek to its fullest to promote CBS All Access if they did not have the films there?

No streaming service will survive on the back of one franchise.

I don't see anyone subscribing to a streaming service just to watch Titanic (and if they eventually want to take CBSAA international, they can't have it anyways, because Fox/Disney owns those rights). And the people most interested in Titanic probably own a physical copy anyway - like you said, it is one of the biggest films of all time.
No, CBSAA doesn't have all the ST films, because Paramount owns those. The merger still hasn't happened yet, so Paramount isn't pulling their stuff off other streaming services yet.

CBS All Access is doing just fine. In addition to ST, The Good Fight, and The Twilight Zone, they have 4 other original shows, with two more on the way, as well as their library of CBS shows. They're focusing on TV rather than films, which is probably what drives subscribers more anyway. People probably don't subscribe just to rewatch movies.

 

[The Overlord]

Hulu has Homeland (produced by Fox, now owned by Disney); Netflix has Shameless (produced by Warner Brothers). CBS doesn't actually own either of them. And they're not going to sell premium content at a lower rate.


I don't see anyone subscribing to a streaming service just to watch Titanic (and if they eventually want to take CBSAA international, they can't have it anyways, because Fox/Disney owns those rights). And the people most interested in Titanic probably own a physical copy anyway - like you said, it is one of the biggest films of all time.
No, CBSAA doesn't have all the ST films, because Paramount owns those. The merger still hasn't happened yet, so Paramount isn't pulling their stuff off other streaming services yet.

CBS All Access is doing just fine. In addition to ST, The Good Fight, and The Twilight Zone, they have 4 other original shows, with two more on the way, as well as their library of CBS shows. They're focusing on TV rather than films, which is probably what drives subscribers more anyway. People probably don't subscribe just to rewatch movies.

Fair enough, except Disney is putting all its major movies on its service, you don't think those movies won't attract a big audience? Movie libaries matter.

At this point, maybe Viacom has the better idea with just selling their stuff to other services.

Videos like this make a good case that Disney is actively going to try to crush the competition:

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I do not think Star Trek, Good Fight, Twilight Zone and CBS library of content is enough to take on something like Disney and Disney is going to everything it can to undermine the other players, I think Disney want to dominate the streaming market and play hard ball with its competitors, which you guys have not addressed.

I think CBS All Access will lose in the streaming wars and will have to team up someone else to remain viable. Because in a war there are winners and losers and the big players are going to play hard ball to win.

 

[BillJ]

I think CBS All Access will lose in the streaming wars and will have to team up someone else to remain viable. Because in a war there are winners and losers and the big players are going to play hard ball to win.

I think there is a fallacy here: CBS doesn't have to be #1 to be a player. They don't have to beat Disney or Netflix. This isn't a win-or-else proposition. Every one, including Disney, is jumping into streaming because there are clearly dollars in it.

It isn't like CBS jumped into this thinking there would never be any more competition from other sources, ever. They knew Disney was lurking as far back as announcing the service.

 

[The Overlord]

I think there is a fallacy here: CBS doesn't have to be #1 to be a player. They don't have to beat Disney or Netflix. This isn't a win-or-else proposition. Every one, including Disney, is jumping into streaming because there are clearly dollars in it.

It isn't like CBS jumped into this thinking there would never be any more competition from other sources, ever. They knew Disney was lurking as far back as announcing the service.

There is only so much money people will pay for streaming though, I think a lot of people will pick and choose services based the library of content they offer and a lot of people may decide to drop CBS All Access. This video from MSNBC says people will drop an existing service for Disney+:

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CBS All Access seems to offer very little for kids and does not have top quality adult content HBO, FX or Showtime would have. Is "God Friended Me" and Survivor reruns supposed to make them competitive? If I was living in the US, I do not think it would be worth it. Heck I am glad Star Trek is on a streaming service with a better library in Canada.

When people here say CBS All Access does not need Paramount library of films, I think you do not know what you are talking about. If that was true, why did Disney put their film library on their site?

I do not think as many people here would be defending CBS All Access as a good service if they did not have Star Trek

 

[BillJ]

When people here say CBS All Access does not need Paramount library of films, I think you do not know what you are talking about. If that was true, why did Disney put their film library on their site?

I think the difference between the Disney library of films and Paramount library of films is huge. If they are going to lose to the point that they have to fold up shop, the Paramount library won't make a lick of difference.

I do not think as many people here would be defending CBS All Access as a good service if they did not have Star Trek

I'm not defending it as a good or bad service, most folks know I'm not keen on how they've handled Trek to this point. But I don't think CBS is this little sister of the poor that you do. They have content, are working on more content and have money to stay in this as long as they want.

 

[The Overlord]

I think the difference between the Disney library of films and Paramount library of films is huge. If they are going to lose to the point that they have to fold up shop, the Paramount library won't make a lick of difference.



I'm not defending it as a good or bad service, most folks know I'm not keen on how they've handled Trek to this point. But I don't think CBS is this little sister of the poor that you do. They have content, are working on more content and have money to stay in this as long as they want.

I think the more content you can get on your service, the more diverse the library that can appeal to different people, the more stuff with a built in fanbase ( like almost everything Disney has) you put on your service, the better chance it has to thrive. It's no guarantee, but it ups your odds.

Heck I would have more faith in CBS All Access if Viacom did, the fact that Viacom is selling its content elsewhere makes me think the combined CBS/Viacom company will not out their full effort into this service. If bigger content libaries did not matter, why do you think Disney bought Fox? Guess where the Simpsons is streaming now?

What makes CBS back library more attractive then the back libaries of ABC, Fox, NBC, etc?

Disney is going to bundle all their stuff together in one package eventually. That will be a lot of content.

I think lot of people here who think CBS All Access is fine on it's own, are engaging in outdated thinking, thinking one channel's worth of content is enough to be competitive in this market, especially when leviathans like Disney will pull out all the stops to dominate the market, because this will be a competitive market. CBS will attempting to coast if it cannot beef up a lot in pretty short period of time or cut deal with another player in the market and coasting will fail in the long run.

 

[The Overlord]

Yes, I kind of disagree with it. Largely because the content feels more targeted. Maybe that's counterintuitive, but I'm not convinced that larger library=better platform.

So you don't think having content that say appeals to kids (like Spongebob) wouldn't make them more attractive to more people, like parents who have kids? What is their content aimed at kids on the service now?

 

[BillJ]

I think lot of people here who think CBS All Access is fine on it's own, are engaging in outdated thinking, thinking one channel's worth of content is enough to be competitive in this market...

Who said anything about one channel's worth of content? If CBS were merely streaming its network offerings, I would agree that it would make for a pretty dull service. But, they aren't. They are creating new content. I don't know how or why you keep seemingly forgetting this.

I'm sure there were people who thought Netflix wouldn't stand a chance against content providers like HBO, yet here we are. Disney has content to carry them (no doubt about that), but that doesn't mean they are going to be the only player in the market.

CBS failing and having to fold up shop seems to be wishful thinking by some folks.

 

[The Overlord]

Who said anything about one channel's worth of content? If CBS were merely streaming its network offerings, I would agree that it would make for a pretty dull service. But, they aren't. They are creating new content. I don't know how or why you keep seemingly forgetting this.

I'm sure there were people who thought Netflix wouldn't stand a chance against content providers like HBO, yet here we are. Disney has content to carry them (no doubt about that), but that doesn't mean they are going to be the only player in the market.

CBS failing and having to fold up shop seems to be wishful thinking by some folks.

Everyone is making new stuff for the streaming market, what makes CBS' new shows better then ones produced by the streaming services? In this market a combination of new and old content is what is going to carry you through. Disney and most of the players have a deeper bench of content then CBS on it's own does. I think Apple TV is the weakest player, because their bench is really shallow. I am sure Apple has the cash to keep their service afloat forever, but I can't imagine it ever not being a money pit for them, because they do not the content library to be viable and I doubt their new shows will make a difference.

I think Netflix thrived because no one took streaming seriously back when Netflix started, now they do and now these players will be way more ruthless now. If these companies were as willing to play hardball then as they were now Netflix would have died quickly. That video I posted said Netflix is a paper tiger at this point and I don't think they are wrong. If Netflix is vulnerable to Disney's gambits, do you think CBS would be immune?

 

[BillJ]

Everyone is making new stuff for the streaming market, what makes CBS' new shows better then ones produced by the streaming services?

What makes them worse? No doubt Disney is now a player, but I don't really see them running anyone out of business.

If Netflix is vulnerable to Disney's gambits, do you think CBS would be immune?

CBS isn't wholly reliant on streaming. And, I don't see Netflix going anywhere.

 

[BillJ]

Just for the record: I have Disney+ and I also have CBS All-Access. I also have Netflix, Hulu (commercial free), YouTube Premium, and Amazon Prime.

The addition of Disney+ didn't send me scrambling to cancel another service. From my position, based on what I have, I would likely cut loose Netflix before anything else. Very little I watch there.

 

[fireproof78]

So you don't think having content that say appeals to kids (like Spongebob) wouldn't make them more attractive to more people, like parents who have kids? What is their content aimed at kids on the service now?

I'm a parent with kids and no, it's not needed.

 

[The Overlord]

What makes them worse? No doubt Disney is no a player, but I don't really see them running anyone out of business.

Disney absorbed Fox, they took out a big player, that is a major change to the entertainment landscape. Things are changing very quickly.

Saying CBS has new content means nothing, because everyone has new content, unless their new content is the most amazing stuff ever it will not be enough to counter that CBS bench of content is more shallow then most of the other players. Disney has new content and a huge library, WB has new content and a huge library etc.

Apple TV is making new content, but I think they will be a loser, because it has no established library to rely on.

CBS isn't wholly reliant on streaming. And, I don't see Netflix going anywhere.

Netflix is really in debt and a lot of the big players are taking their stuff off of it. It will not go away, but it will not exist in current form, it will likely be merged or taken over eventually.

And that is why CBS seems like a loser in streaming, they are not investing the same effort the other players are and still relying on the declining network model. Their conservative nature will be a milestone around their neck.

 

[fireproof78]

Then bye bye CBS.

 

[The Overlord]

I'm a parent with kids and no, it's not needed.

Want to a bet a lot of parents do not think differently? This why anecdotal evidence means nothing.

Then bye bye CBS.

I do not work for Disney or WB or Netflix, I am just telling what I see in terms of entertainment trends. If someone had an article or a video that says CBS All Access will be a real player in the market, then I would concede that I may be wrong. Most of the stuff I see regarding the streaming wars can barely remember to mention CBS.

I think if CBS/Viacom threw everything and the kitchen sink at CBS All Access it would have a better chance of thriving and more people would want it. I hope if CBS All Access goes down, they could quickly put the Star Trek stuff elsewhere. I would rather new Star Trek stuff stick around, but CBS will have to put or shut up when it comes to streaming.

 

[fireproof78]

Want to a bet a lot of parents do not think differently? This why anecdotal evidence means nothing.

A lot? How many of the parents I know would you like me to ask? Perhaps my dad who just pays for ESPN or NFL?

Targeted channels are neither new nor problematic. Sorry, I don't see the doom like you.

 

[The Overlord]

A lot? How many of the parents I know would you like me to ask? Perhaps my dad who just pays for ESPN or NFL?

Targeted channels are neither new nor problematic. Sorry, I don't see the doom like you.

Does not matter how many random people you ask, anecdotal evidence means nothing in terms of boarder trends. And your dad is giving money to Disney if he has ESPN.

How specialized channels go out of business? Surely not all them thrive?

I think Disney and WB are betting against specialization and I think they are right. The only way CBS specialization strategy is if they produce super amazing content.

You can argue Apple TV is specializing on new content, but would you get their service? I think specialization will die with cable. I am not sure you are acknowledging how quickly the market has change and how those who adapt more quickly will win.

Most articles I read have said content libaries matter, who has said otherwise?

 

[fireproof78]

Does not matter how many random people you ask, anecdotal evidence means nothing in terms of boarder trends.

Didn't say otherwise. Can only speak from my experience.

And your dad is giving money to Disney if he has ESPN.

Sure. Still, its specialized content that has no child appeal. He buys it for himself.

How specialized channels go out of business? Surely not all them thrive?

Surely not all of them fail.

think Disney and WB are betting against specialization and I think they are right. The only way CBS specialization strategy is if they produce super amazing content.

Well,, they seem happy with their content so far.

Most articles I read have said content libaries matter, who has said otherwise?

Don't know. What I have learned is that speculation in trends is difficult, if not nearly impossible to predict.

 

[The Overlord]

Didn't say otherwise. Can only speak from my experience.


Sure. Still, its specialized content that has no child appeal. He buys it for himself.

Surely not all of them fail.

Well,, they seem happy with their content so far.

Don't know. What I have learned is that speculation in trends is difficult, if not nearly impossible to predict.

This article says CBS All Access will be a loser in the streaming wars:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/observ...max-peacock-streaming-wars-who-will-fail/amp/

The article mentioned the Viacom merger as something that could help CBS, but if that stuff is not going to CBS All Access it's not helping them, is it?

Is there any articles saying CBS will be a winner in the market?

To me specialization only works if you have a real hook, like Shudder or Crunchy Roll does, what is CBS All Access' specialization? With Shudder its horror, with Crunchy Roll its anime, what's CBS' hook?

You say CBS is betting on a conservative strategy and we can try their wisdom here, but if WB and Disney are making the opposite bet, who says they are wrong?

Edit: Also just to be fair I will post this article saying CBS All Access grew last quarter:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.co...me-grew-by-39-in-the-3rd-quarter-of-2019/amp/

Now that is good, but it last with the increased competition?

 

[fireproof78]

You say CBS is betting on a conservative strategy and we can try their wisdom here, but if WB and Disney are making the opposite bet, who says they are wrong?

Whose to say every business must operate the same? Certainly not in my experience.

And if CBS loses, then they lose. I'm sure many fans would be happy about that.