Enduring the value of ESPN remains top priority for the Walt Disney company. To do so, the company has implemented a skinny bundle strategy for ESPN as millennials continue to move away from pay-TV. ESPN has recently forged deals with Sony’s PlayStation Vue, and Dish Network’s Sling TV.
Since 2013, ESPN has declined from 99 million subscribers to 92 million, although the network has gained subscribers during the past few months. Disney CEO Bob Iger credits that growth to ESPN’s association with Sling TV.
The biggest reason why consumers are flocking from paid-television are costs. While Cable or Satellite provides a great picture, they also cost $100 to $150 per month. Skinny bundles such as Dish’s Sling TV are much cheaper, and can be secured for roughly $20 per month. Millennials (people in the 18–34 age group), also prefer to watch on these services because much of the content is ad-free.
During an investor conference earlier this month, Iger said “It’s important that ESPN be present in the skinny bundles whether they are 2 million, 5 million, 10 million, we don’t know. But ESPN should be part of those.”
Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
