The CW and Discovery networks have become more cord-cutter friendly. It's all about getting access to the content you want without paying for cable.
CW and Discovery become more cord-cutter friendly
Cord cutting is all about getting access to the content you want without paying for high-priced cable. Now it seems the CW Network and Discovery Networks have caught on and plan to make their shows available to cord cutters.CW Network
Currently, CW Network shows are spread across several different services, like Netflix and Hulu, making it somewhat difficult to find the show you want. The move to online streaming could be in response to a 13 percent decline in the CW Network prime time viewership. Since CW Network is aimed at a younger audience, CBS and Time Warner are hoping this online streaming option for popular streaming devices will bring in more viewers. This is the first time a major network is putting their shows on streaming devices, for free viewing, the day after they air. Or, if you are willing to wait until the season is over, the full season of popular CW shows will be on Netflix eight days after the season ends. The new CW app is very similar to the phone and tablets apps they have for Android and iOS. You will be able to access the new CW app on Roku, Fire TV and Apple TV, allowing you to easily watch the shows on your big screen TV. No date has been announced for the release of these apps, but they are expected in the next few weeks.
Discovery Networks
Do you love Discovery Networks stations like TLC, Animal Planet, ID, Sci and Discovery? Well, we have good news for you. Discovery’s GO suite of offerings is the company’s first streaming service that offers content to cord cutters, but there is a catch… only some of their content is available. Every Discovery channel will offer at least some free full-length episodes of their popular shows, with new episodes added regularly. However, if you subscribe to services such as PlayStation Vue you will be able to login for an even larger catalog of content. This is very similar to how WatchABC and the NBC channels work on Roku. These apps are now available on the Fire TV and Apple TV.
“Discovery Communications is thrilled to partner with Roku and to have the opportunity to connect with new audiences,” says Karen Leever, EVP and GM of digital media, Discovery Communications. “The Roku platform’s user-friendly design and brand-friendly environment make it the perfect stage to showcase our diverse, compelling content helping to extend viewership for our networks.” (via Roku) “The Roku platform is designed specifically for streamers. Our goal is to make it easy for customers to access the best, most compelling streaming entertainment,” said Ed Lee, vice president, content acquisition, Roku. “Discovery is home to some of TVs most captivating shows, bringing insight to lifestyle, nature and science. We’re extremely excited to have Discovery Communications’ suite of TV everywhere offerings readily available to Roku customers.” While this may only be a small step into cord cutting for Discovery, it is just one more example of how cord cutting is becoming more convenient by the day. And CW’s unprecedented move with free, same-day viewing makes it even easier to say goodbye to cable TV.
