ViacomCBS to Launch New Streaming Service
ViacomCBS is working on a streaming service that will build on CBS All Access, according to reports.
Both Viacom and CBS have existing streaming services, including CBS All Access and Showtime, which combined have more than 10 million paying subscribers. The new streaming service will build off CBS All Access and include Paramount Pictures movies, which have thus far been leased to other streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.
ViacomCBS executives have not made a firm decision, but are considering a service with advertisements that will combine CBS All Access with Viacom’s channels such as Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central and Paramount Pictures, report CNBC and Reuters.
An ad-free version will also be available, and a premium version of the streaming service will include Showtime, according to the reports.
ViacomCBS declined to comment.
CBS launched CBS All Access in October 2014, more than five years before Disney+, Apple TV+ and the coming debuts of NBCUniversal’s Peacock and AT&T’s HBO Max.
With the new service, ViacomCBS hopes consumers will see the value in the combination of live sports and news with movies, strong kids programming from Nickelodeon and Noggin, and both scripted and unscripted programming.
The new service will also be the home for old Paramount Pictures films, such as “The Godfather” and the “Star Trek” movies. ViacomCBS will also have exclusive access to another 700 movies through a 49 percent ownership stake in Miramax.
ViacomCBS Inc. is also said to weighing options for CNET after receiving takeover interest in the product review site, according to a Bloomberg report.
Chief Executive Officer Bob Bakish has said he’s looking to offload non-core assets following a merger with CBS Corp. last year.