At Comcast, No Fear of Web Video [Wall Street Journal]
Fresh off of their recent merger with NBC Universal, Comcast is speaking out on Internet video.
CEO Brian Roberts stated in an interview with the Wall Street Journal that Internet video poses no significant threat to pay TV providers and is actually more of a friend than a foe. Roberts does not believe that any pay TV subscriber losses are due to streaming services - ala Netflix. Netflix, in Robert’s opinion, is merely a “rerun” service. Instead, any TV subscriber losses are more likely due to lack of housing growth and competition from other providers.
I agree and have been saying the same thing for a long time.
While Roberts pushed Internet video as a “friend” to pay TV, he also reiterated that Comcast’s Xfinity Internet video services would remain available only to current pay TV subscribers and would not be made available on an individual subscription basis.
Comcast’s Xfinity service currently allows users to access online content from premium providers like HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and Starz.
Mike, will Insight be offering HBOGO.com or ShowtimeAnytime.com soon? Comcast has both through XFinity... Go is also with Verizon and I believe Cox. Insight was really early (and it was really appreciated) with rolling out ESPN3 compared to other providers, was hoping for more of the same.
Posted by: Nate Hiatt | Wednesday, March 02, 2011 at 01:58 PM