This week started off with Spectrum users experiencing issues on Roku platforms. Later in the week, Universal announced multiple streaming deals for its slate of future movie releases. Elsewhere, fuboTV and YouTube TV both added more channels to their respective lineups. We also heard rumors of Sinclair going after more regional sports networks, and the NFL and Twitter are looking to expand their relationship.
Here’s what happened in the world of cord cutting and streaming.
Breaking News
Here are some of the top streaming stories from the past week.
Roku Users Lost Access to Spectrum App Over the Long Weekend
Over the July 4th weekend, Spectrum users reported having issues accessing their app on Roku platforms. Several encountered an error message and suggestions to delete and redownload the app, which currently isn’t possible due to an ongoing carriage dispute. Roku suggested a system update, and later added that access issues should be resolved by now.
Learn more about this week’s Spectrum app woes on Roku here.
YouTube TV Adds Three More Add-On Channel Options
Cinedigm announced three of its top channel offerings are now available as add-ons on YouTube TV. Each one costs $4.99 per month on top of the regular live TV streaming subscription rate.
Check out the new add-on options here.
fuboTV Adds ABC Affiliates in 17 Markets
FuboTV announced it’s added 17 more ABC affiliates to its lineup, which brings its total number of ABC stations to more than 80 nationwide. You can check out the full list of new additions in our post.
See which affiliates are joining fuboTV’s lineup here.
Universal New Releases Will Move from HBO Max to Peacock in 2022
In one of two major Universal deals announced this week, the movie studio shared that new releases will head to Peacock starting in 2022. The deal takes effect after its existing agreement with HBO Max expires.
Check out the details of Peacock’s deal with Universal here.
Universal New Releases Will Exclusively Stream on Prime Video After Leaving Peacock
In another Universal deal, it looks like Amazon’s Prime Video will also host Universal’s new releases after their exclusive window on Peacock expires. IMDb TV will also gain access to recent Universal titles through the deal.
Read more about Universal’s other major deal this week here.
Industry Report
What’s the latest on the industry?
Sinclair Is Reportedly Bidding for NBC Regional Sports Networks
Rumors are swirling that Sinclair is interested in picking up more regional sports networks — specifically, RSNs currently owned by NBC Universal. The company reportedly offered a bid for seven NBC networks across the country.
Learn more about Sinclair’s rumored bid here.
The NFL and Twitter Extend Partnership to Use New Twitter Feature
A new multi-year deal between the NFL and Twitter will bring more football content to the social media platform in the future. The deal will also leverage the new Twitter Spaces feature.
Check out how the NFL plans to engage with its Twitter audience here.
Survey: 60% of Americans Have Switched to Ad-Supported Streaming Services This Year
A new survey suggests a slight majority of US respondents have opted to switch to ad-supported streaming plans in the past year or so. That could be a sign that cord cutters are looking to lower costs, and are willing to sit through more ads to do so.
Read more about the latest survey results here.
Cord Cutters News Summer Survey 2021
It’s officially summer, which means it’s officially time for the Cord Cutters News Summer Survey. You may have seen the survey earlier in the week, but we spotted some issues and opted to relaunch it to get a more accurate picture of our cord cutting community.
Share your thoughts on cord cutting and streaming here.
Weekend Lineup: Black Widow on Disney+, UFC 264 on ESPN+, Barb & Star on Hulu
With Black Widow premiering and a much-anticipated UFC matchup incoming, the Disney+ bundle lineup has a pretty impressive schedule this weekend.