CBS Debuting its Own Standalone Streaming Service
HBO surprised the TV world yesterday with the announcement of a standalone streaming option for the reclusive network, but it isn't the only TV giant looking to secure a streaming future. CBS has announced (and launched) its own pay-service to give non-cable users access to their library of content, calling the new innovation "CBS Access."
“CBS All Access is another key step in the Company’s long-standing strategy of monetizing our local and national content in the ways that viewers want it,” said CBS chief Leslie Moonves. “This new subscription service will deliver the most of CBS to our biggest fans while being additive to the overall ecosystem. Across the board, we continue to capitalize on technological advances that help consumers engage with our world-class programming, and we look forward to serving our viewers in this new and exciting way.”
Launched Thursday morning, the service costs $5.99 per month and does feature at least a few ads, though less than watching the network outright. CBS Access is also available on multiple platform, and includes access to its 15 primetime shows, live-streaming of CBS local stations in 14 markets, past seasons of eight current series and 5,000 episodes of such library shows as 'Star Trek' and 'Twin Peaks.'
What do you think? Will you pay for the privilege of watching 'The Big Bang Theory' and more on the go, or will you stick with regular ol' TV?