Discovery and ProSiebenSat.1 are joining forces for an integrated streaming platform in Germany, incorporating ProSiebenSat.1’s 7TV and Maxdome services, Eurosport Player and other content.
The new over-the-top (OTT) video platform would be rolled out in the first half of 2019, with a target user base of 10 million within two years of launch, the companies said. Rival broadcasters RTL and ARD/ ZDF would also to be asked to join the venture to provide a comprehensive OTT platform for Germany.The platform will feature both an advertising video-on-demand (AVOD) free tier and subscription VOD (SVOD) premium pay tier with access to exclusive sports and movies.
“This is an exciting next step in our strategy of reaching more viewers on more screens as the global leader in real life entertainment and international sports. Together with ProSiebenSat.1, we are building a world class streaming service to nourish superfans in one of our most important international markets while also creating a new model for the future for viewers to enjoy their favourite content,” said David Zaslav, president and CEO, Discovery.
Former Google and YouTube executive Alexandar Vassilev is leading the joint venture team. Max Conze, ProSiebenSat.1 CEO will head the board, which will also include Jean Briac (JB) Perrette, president and CEO of Discovery Networks International.
The venture will build on the partnership already shared by the two companies. Since September 2017, ProSiebenSat.1 and Discovery have offered joint content on 7TV, both as live streams and through media libraries with: ProSieben, SAT.1, kabel eins, sixx, ProSieben MAXX, SAT.1 Gold, kabel eins doku plus DMAX, TLC and selected Eurosport content. WELT, N24 Doku and SPORT1 have committed their content to the platform and will go live soon.
Meanwhile maxdome, which dates to 2006, now has one of the largest entertainment content libraries in Germany with over 50,000 titles.
Analyst Goldmedia recently forecast that SVOD is capable of achieving an 80% share of the German online video market by 2023, with the sector enjoying impressive growth.
This is the latest tie-up by European broadcasters to create jointly operated OTT platforms, following the recent announcement in France of the Salto service from France Télévisions, TF1 and M6.
Salto will offer a range of subscription packages, and provide access to exclusive premières and add-on services. The companies said the new OTT platform would fit alongside the existing free platforms MYTF1, 6Play and France.tv.
