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Spectrum TV Essentials is a live TV streaming service that includes over 70 entertainment, lifestyle and children’s networks. But there’s a catch.
WarnerMedia Merges with Discovery
WarnerMedia, owned by AT&T, is merging with Discovery, Inc. for $43 billion. This announcement comes three years after AT&T acquired Time Warner for $85 billion. So what does this mean for consumers?
Table of Contents
- WarnerMedia and Discovery Joining Forces
- What Does the WarnerMedia-Discovery Merger Mean for Consumers?
- What Content Does WarnerMedia-Discovery Have?
- FAQ
Summary
The WarnerMedia-Discovery merger is going to create a standalone, global media company that boasts a content library exceeding 100 iconic brands and networks. This new company will undoubtedly change the streaming and content creation landscape for both consumers and competitors.
WarnerMedia and Discovery Joining Forces
HBO Max
WarnerMedia, a media company formed when AT&T acquired Time Warner in 2018, is merging with Discovery, Inc., a global entertainment company known for its nonfiction programming. This merger brings Discovery and all its networks and brands under the control of AT&T, which already owns HBO Max. Therefore, it can be assumed that Discovery, Inc.’s many networks will be brought into HBO Max at some point.
Discovery+
Discovery, Inc. operates its own streaming service, Discovery+, but HBO Max is a much stronger service in the overall streaming service market that includes larger competitors like Netflix, Hulu +, ESPN+, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video. WarnerMedia may choose to operate HBO Max and Discovery+ as two separate services that are available to purchase in one package, similar to Hulu and ESPN+ and Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+. They could also elect to simply bring Discovery+’s programming directly into HBO Max.
What Does the WarnerMedia-Discovery Merger Mean for Consumers?
The current streaming service landscape continues to expand as content becomes more and more exclusive. This particular media company merger could be advantageous for consumers. With the WarnerMedia-Discovery merger, it means that consumers paying for HBO Max will likely gain access to a plethora of new networks courtesy of Discovery, Inc.’s diverse programming. Discovery owns numerous cable network favorites, including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, HGTV, TLC and more, on top of networks already owned by WarnerMedia, including HBO, TNT, TBS, Cartoon Network and more.
The table below highlights networks and content that will be controlled by WarnerMedia-Discovery.
| Company | Streaming Service | Streaming Service Price | Networks/Brands Owned |
|---|---|---|---|
| WarnerMedia | HBO Max | $14.99/mo. | Warner Bros. Pictures, HBO, Comedy Central, Cartoon Network, TNT, TBS, Hanna-Barbera, CNN, DC Comics, Harry Potter |
| Discovery, Inc. | Discovery+ | $5/mo. with ads, $7/mo. ad-free | Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, HGTV, TLC, Food Network |
All the above content will be owned by the standalone WarnerMedia and Discovery media company.
Bringing Discovery, Inc.’s programming into WarnerMedia will allow the company to showcase diverse nonfiction content on top of its already expansive library of movies, premium series and iconic animation. At the time of the merger, it is unclear if discovery+ will be absorbed into HBO Max or if the two streaming services will continue to operate separately.
Massive Library of Content
WarnerMedia-Discovery will boast almost 200,000 hours of content and showcase over 100 globally recognized brands, making the new company one of the premier forces in content creation.
Here is an overview of all the content brands to be owned by the company:
Frequently asked questions
Will HBO Max and Discovery+ be combined?
It is unclear whether HBO Max and Discovery+ will be combined into one streaming service.
Is HBO Max free with AT&T?
AT&T Fiber Up to 1 GIG speed or DIRECTV STREAM PREMIER provide free HBO Max permanently. A lower-tier internet or TV plan gives you access to HBO Max for free for a respective time period.
How much does Discovery+ cost?
Discovery+ is $4.99/mo. for ads-included service and ad-free streaming is $6.99/mo.
