It’s been a busy week for the House of Mouse. The Walt Disney Company held its quarterly earnings call on Wednesday, August 6, and revealed a “major step” for the Hulu streaming app as the company makes major moves across TV with blockbuster deals in sports media with ESPN.
Hulu will be “fully integrating” into the Disney+ streaming service. The company said that “work is already underway” on technology enhancements for Disney+ and that improvements will release “in the coming months” that includes a more personalized homepage and unclarified new features.
ESPN, which is owned by the Walt Disney Company, announced earlier this week that it would be buying the NFL Network and RedZone ahead of its launch of the ESPN streaming service. In the call, the company said ESPN’s “long-awaited Direct-to-Consumer offering” will launch on August 21. (I’m begging you to leave Scott Hanson and the RedZone team alone, ESPN!)
“At launch, we will introduce an enhanced ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices, which will boost the fan experience and reinforce ESPN’s position as the preeminent digital sports platform. Key new features planned for launch include multi-view, enhanced personalization, integration of stats, betting, fantasy sports and commerce, and a personalized SportsCenter, and we will continue to innovate post-launch,” the company said in the prepared commentary after the call.
Disney said that users with bundle subscriptions to Disney+, Hulu and ESPN ” will be able to watch ESPN content within Disney+, while ESPN will continue to be available through traditional [cable and satellite TV providers] and [apps], and all ESPN App users will have access to enhanced App features.”
Pricing will range from $11.99/month for the cheapest package to $29.99/month for the unlimited package, the company said.
