This week, we saw the NFL announce its new broadcasting deal, including some exclusive rights for Amazon. Elsewhere, YouTube TV added more ViacomCBS channels to its lineup and Fox-owned Tubi might be looking to get into the original content game.
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.
The Roku Channel Acquires This Old House Content
Late in the week, Roku announced it’s adding more content to its free platform, The Roku Channel. The new content comes via its purchase of distribution rights for This Old House and Ask This Old House.
Learn more about the new deal here.
YouTube TV Adds 7 New Channels to Its Live TV Lineup
Last year, we learned that YouTube TV and ViacomCBS reached a deal that would bring several more channels to the live TV streaming service. And this week, seven channels that were part of that deal officially made their way to the lineup.
Check out the new channel options here.
Pluto TV Adds Three New Channels to Its Streaming Lineup
Free streaming service Pluto TV adds new content at a pretty rapid clip — and this week was no exception. Users will find a trio of new channels to choose from this week, covering crime, reality TV, and home design.
Learn more about Pluto TV’s newest channels here.
Amazon Expands Local News on Fire TV to 88 Markets Around the US
After launching local news support in a handful of major markets late last year, Amazon’s back this week with a significant expansion. In all, local news access is coming to dozens of additional markets around the country and the company’s app will let you customize news sources to your liking.
Check out the new supported markets here.
Locast Brings Its Live Local Streaming Service to Portland
Locast announced this week that its 31st supported market will be Portland, Oregon. The nonprofit streaming service offers up access to local channels in a growing number of cities around the country.
See how many channels Portland-area residents will have access to here.
Industry Report
What’s the latest on the industry?
NFL Expands Digital Distribution, Rep Says Sunday Ticket Will Stay with DirecTV
The NFL announced its newest broadcasting deal and it includes familiar names like Amazon, CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, and ABC. The deal extends to 2033 and includes some interesting streaming options, including exclusive Thursday night games for Amazon.
Find out the details of the NFL’s new deal here.
Sinclair RSNs Will Rebrand as Bally Sports on March 31
By month’s end, Sinclair’s collection of regional sports networks, RSNs, will officially rebrand under the Bally Sports name. However, two channels in particular are scheduled to be retired.
Check out the full list of RSNs affected here.
Tubi is Interested in Creating Original Content
We’re hearing rumors that Fox-owned streaming service Tubi is interested in entering the original content field, much like Crackle, Pluto TV, and Roku have done recently. Plans appear to be in the early stages at this point, but we’re learning more about how much the service is willing to invest in projects.
Learn more about Tubi’s original content ambitions here.
YouTube and MLB Renew Partnership for 2021 Season
It’s almost time to play ball and YouTube has announced it has renewed a deal with Major League Baseball. The deal includes key streamed games on the MLB’s YouTube channel.
Check out the details of YouTube’s deal with Major League Baseball here.
Hardware Spotlight
A look at the latest streaming and cord-cutting gear
Walmart’s Android TV-Powered Onn 2K Streaming Stick Pops Up at the FCC
Thanks to a recent FCC listing, we learned Walmart appears to be prepping to launch a budget-priced streaming device under its Onn brand of personal electronics. No price or release date just yet, but we do have a name: the Onn 2K Streaming Stick.
Read more about Walmart’s upcoming device here.
Rumor Suggests NVIDIA Could Stop Making Tegra Chip That Powers Shield TV
The gaming world has been following rumors of a potential new Nintendo Switch and there’s also talk of NVIDIA ending production of the chip that powers current Switch consoles. That chip can also be found in NVIDIA’s own Shield TV line, which leads to questions about the device’s future if those rumors pan out.
Learn more about the hardware rumors here.
Deal Alert
Save some cash with these current and upcoming deals.
Prime Members Can Choose Showtime, AMC+, STARZ, or PBS Kids for 99 Cents a Month
Amazon’s currently offering a deal on a number of streaming options. Pick from the list and you can get a deal for $0.99 per month for two months.