WarnerMedia prepares to take on Netflix, Apple & others with new streaming TV service
AT&T-owned WarnerMedia is preparing to jump into the fray with its own streaming TV service, one which could pose a threat not just to the likes of Amazon and Netflix but Apple's burgeoning video efforts.

The Warner service will launch in the fourth quarter of 2019, according to announcement. An internal memo seen by CNN elaborated that the service will include content from HBO, Turner, and Warner Bros., all of which sit under the WarnerMedia umbrella. Currently HBO Now, which offers on-demand programming, costs $14.99 per month on its own.
Pricing and even a name for the new service have yet to be announced.
It may face an uphill battle, even though WarnerMedia is an international giant and AT&T -- coupled with absent net neutrality protections -- provides an ideal vehicle for reaching the U.S. market. Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video are firmly entrenched, and still more competitors are entering the market, such as Disney.
Apple is spending $1 billion or more on its own slate of TV shows which could premiere as soon as March 2019. Some of the titles on tap include an adaptation of Isaac Asimov's "Foundation" novels, a morning show drama starring Jennifer Anniston and Reese Witherspoon, and a series version of Terry Gilliam's "Time Bandits."
Still a secret is how Apple plans to actually air its content. In June a report indicated that Apple was considering a subscription bundle that could include the shows, Apple Music, and premium Apple News content.

The Warner service will launch in the fourth quarter of 2019, according to announcement. An internal memo seen by CNN elaborated that the service will include content from HBO, Turner, and Warner Bros., all of which sit under the WarnerMedia umbrella. Currently HBO Now, which offers on-demand programming, costs $14.99 per month on its own.
Pricing and even a name for the new service have yet to be announced.
It may face an uphill battle, even though WarnerMedia is an international giant and AT&T -- coupled with absent net neutrality protections -- provides an ideal vehicle for reaching the U.S. market. Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video are firmly entrenched, and still more competitors are entering the market, such as Disney.
Apple is spending $1 billion or more on its own slate of TV shows which could premiere as soon as March 2019. Some of the titles on tap include an adaptation of Isaac Asimov's "Foundation" novels, a morning show drama starring Jennifer Anniston and Reese Witherspoon, and a series version of Terry Gilliam's "Time Bandits."
Still a secret is how Apple plans to actually air its content. In June a report indicated that Apple was considering a subscription bundle that could include the shows, Apple Music, and premium Apple News content.
Comments
Flipside: struggle for exclusive content will drive number of required subscriptions up if you want to see “all”. Lots of services. Lots of subscriptions.
So basically cable with a prettier UI. Except instead of one bill you have many. What’s good about this?
It will become ripe for consolidation in the next year or two if this splintering continues
Apple has proven very successful with a subscription model for numerous services, so there's no way they give their content away for free. For what? To sell Apple TV's? Initial promo period, three months, yes... but not as a permanent paradigm.
I'd more see them giving away an Apple TV in return for a subscription (though that won't happen either).
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/10/apple-plans-to-give-away-original-content-for-free-to-device-owners.html
...until all the subscriptions for what you DO want to watch begin adding up, and the internet providers know they have you by the cajones and jack up their rates too, and you suddenly find yourself back in cable TV price territory.
At no point do I spend what people spend on cable television. Nor do I have multiple bills to deal with as they all go thru my iTunes.
...and because they are Apple, they can/will get away with it.
(Or maybe not even a price change, but just roll it into the subscription service they already have.)
Apple Media is a terrible name and sounds too corporate-like. I agree Apple Music with shows and movies is a strange move. I believe they'll separate the 2 services. Who knows?