Discovery+, which will launch in the US from January 4, will also likely be available in the GCC through StarzPlay, although a date hasn't been confirmed.
Discovery, Inc. has announced that its streaming service, discovery+ (formerly called DPlay), will be rolled gradually rolled out across 25 key markets, including the UK, Ireland, India, the Nordics, Italy and the Netherlands, with its US debut marked for January 4, 2021. The GCC is likely to be part of this rollout owing to an exclusive partnership that was inked between Discovery and MENA streamer StarzPlay in March, 2020.
Watch BroadcastPro ME’s exclusive video interview with StarzPlay CCO and co-founder Danny Bates and Discovery’s Director of Business Development Francesco Perta on the partnership.
Discovery claimed in a press statement that its US offering “will have the largest-ever content offering of any new streaming service, featuring a wide range of exclusive, original series across popular, passion verticals in which Discovery brands have a strong leadership position, including lifestyle and relationships; home and food; true crime; paranormal; adventure and natural history; as well as science, tech and the environment, and a slate of high-quality documentaries”.
Internationally, Discovery will leverage its library of local-language content, as well as its broad portfolio of live sports, to drive its direct-to-consumer offering across 25 key markets in 2021.
Discovery+ launched with Sky in the UK and Ireland last month. It will launch with TIM in Italy in early 2021. In the European markets launching in 2021, discovery+ will be supported by Eurosport’s locally-relevant multi-sport offering, which includes the tennis Grand Slams, cycling Grand Tours, motorsport, football and winter sports. Beginning with the Olympic Games in Tokyo next year, it will become the streaming Home of the Olympics in Europe with access to a minute-by-minute account of the games.
Commenting on the European launch, JB Perrette, President and CEO of Discovery International, said: “With decades of connecting audiences in every corner of the globe to the local voices and stories they love, Discovery drives inspiration, aspiration and loyalty everywhere, like few media brands can. discovery+ will harness our unique global and local model and strategy to serve fans around the world as we bring the best of real-life entertainment to customers in a whole new way.”
Discovery+ will be available in the US starting at $4.99 per month, with an ad-free version available for $6.99 per month. In the GCC, BroadcastPro ME had reported back in March that StarzPlay subscribers will have access to the service on the platform for an additional $4. We were unable to confirm at the time of going to press if the rates have changed since then.
