Walt Disney is increasing the price of its streaming platforms in the United States, including its flagship Disney+ service.
From October 21, the ad-supported Disney+ plan will increase by $2 to $11.99 per month. The ad-free premium tier will rise by $3 to $18.99 a month. Annual premium subscriptions will jump $30 to $189.99.
Bundled packages combining Disney+ with Hulu and ESPN+ will also see price hikes, according to the company's website.
It is the fourth year in a row that the Disney+ subscription prices have increased. The service launched in 2019 at $6.99 per month.
Other streaming services, including Netflix and Peacock, have announced price hikes this year. It comes as streaming services look to bolster profits after years of investment to attract subscribers.
Somewhat controversially, Disney raised the cost of its flagship streamer on the same day that it brought back Jimmy Kimmel Live! following the late-night talk show’s controversial temporary suspension.
The US studio had pulled Comedian and Host Kimmel from ABC “indefinitely” last week after he made remarks following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, sparking a backlash from President Donald Trump.
The Walt Disney Company recently appointed Tony Chambers to run its EMEA business as part of a restructure of its entertainment operations in the region. Discover more here.
WBD urges shareholders to reject Paramount’s hostile bid
The Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) board has again recommended that the studio’s shareholders reject a hostile takeover offer from Paramount Skydance.
Comcast completes Versant Media spin-off of cable TV assets
US media and telco giant Comcast Corporation has completed the separation of Versant Media Group into a separate public company.
Studios and streamers ramp up video game adaptations
Major studios and streaming platforms are accelerating their push into video game adaptations, with commissions increasing by an average of 30% per year since 2019, according to new research by Ampere Analysis.
Ireland approves Europe’s first unscripted tax credit
The Republic of Ireland has become the first country in Europe to offer a tax incentive for unscripted productions.
.jpg)
Canal+ and WBD expand content partnership
Canal+ and Warner Bros. Discovery have signed a new multi-year and multi-territory agreement to expand their international collaboration.
