NBC CEO reveals details on Peacock and “not doing the same strategy” as Netflix
By Corey Smith
New streaming services are popping like weeds, and it’s becoming a chore to keep up. Platforms like Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, CBS All Access, Amazon Prime, Hulu — the list goes on and on, and it seems as if things are just getting started. Joining the already packed market in April of next year will be Peacock, Comcast and NBC Universal’s entry into the streaming wars.
But while other services, such as Disney+ might be pulling original content from their previous homes at Netflix, NBCU CEO Steve Burke revealed on the company’s third-quarter earnings call that Peacock will take a different approach regarding its original films and television properties.
Burke stated that Peacock will continue to sell select movies to other streamers rather than remove that content from premium networks like HBO or Sky. “We are not doing the same strategy that Netflix and people chasing Netflix have adopted,” he said.
NBCUNIVERSAL LOGOS — Pictured: “peacocktv.com” Logo — (Photo by: NBCUniversal)
As for the broader streaming wars, Burke is not surprised by the low prices being offered by competitors but does believe the market is in for some change, even as things look like they are expanding.
"It’s not too surprising to me. You got the three biggest media companies, Disney, Time Warner and NBCUniversal, all launching streaming platforms. And a lot of people are being very, very aggressive about it, and I would anticipate that to happen until at some point there will be an inevitable slowing down and shakeout, and the market will get a little bit more rational. You want to be aggressive to get in there and make sure that your service is one of the consumer’s handful of favorite services."
Amazon might seem like an omission here, but the e-commerce site has a multitude of branches serving in many more areas than just streaming. As Burke points out, there will likely be a slow down at some point, consumers will only deal with so many passwords after all, but in the meantime, it will be interesting to see which platforms survive the competition.
As to that, Burke believes Peacock can leverage Comcast’s 55 million subscriber base, as well as piggyback off the 2020 Summer Olympics (airing on NBC) to reach “cruising altitude much more quickly than a subscription service.” Both of those are advantages not enjoyed by some of Peacock’s rivals, although a later entry into the market could become an issue.
Although, Disney just announced a partnership Verizon wireless users will receive Disney+ for free, for an entire year…so, your move, Peacock.
Finally, regarding the actual functionality of the platform, Burke says he is “very pleased with the technical progress,” and that the service looks “beautiful and very different.”
Next. Here’s the advice George Lucas gave to The Mandalorian showrunner. dark
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