Live sport is becoming an increasingly important part of the streaming ecosystem. Amazon Prime Video, YouTube and Peacock all own the rights to things like Premier League football and the NFL. Apple, which normally moves slowly before decisively entering a market, has been more proactive than many might have expected in buying rights quite early on in the existence of Apple TV+. It shows two MLB games every Friday and has a 10-year deal with the MLS to show every single game. By comparison, Netflix shows no live sport (or really anything live).
In the latest episode of “TV+ Talk”, we discuss in-depth Apple’s approach to live sport and that of its rivals. We also explore the non-live sporting content that Apple has, such as the “Super League - The War for Football” documentary. It is clearly trying to challenge things like Amazon Prime Video’s popular “All or Nothing”, and “Drive to Survive” and “Full Swing” on Netflix.
Away from sport, there was also a look at the Academy’s new rules for the Oscar’s ‘Best Picture’ category. Films that want to be considered now have to be in theatres for seven days in 10 of the top 50 US markets. This must happen no more than 45 days after the initial one-week release in six US cities that qualify. Territories outside the US can count toward two of the 10 markets, according to the LA Times. These rules will make it much clearer which films Apple and other streamers think have a chance at winning the converted statue.
Live sport is one of the few things that keep customers buying cable TV bundles. Apple TV+ and other streamers want to change that.
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From the Podcast
Meta Doesn't Need the News, With Adrian Weckler - In the face of a new Canadian law demanding Meta pay publishers when news links are posted, it has removed news content from Facebook and Instagram in the country. This follows similar legislation being introduced in Australia.
'TV+ Talk' - MLB and Messi: Apple TV+ Plays the Live Sport Game