HBO Max and Discovery+ Merger Called 'Max'
In an effort to compete with streaming giants like Netflix and Disney, HBO Max and Discovery+ have announced a merger, and tomorrow Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) will reveal the new streaming service, which is expected to be called Max according to a report from The New York Times. While it is not yet clear how existing subscribers will migrate to the new service, executives are set to address this issue on Wednesday during the official unveiling.
One thing that is clear is that the price of the new service will remain the same as HBO Max, at roughly $16 a month. However, there will be multiple pricing tiers, including a cheaper one with advertising. This move is aimed at attracting a wider audience and increasing the streaming service's overall market share.
The platform is set to launch in North America in May or June, and in Latin America by the end of 2023. The new service will include technological upgrades and a wide range of TV series and movie announcements.
According to Julia Alexander, the director of strategy at research firm Parrot Analytics, "Dropping HBO from the name is cementing that we're not just a home for premium programming, We're the home for anything you want to watch." This is a clear indication that the new service will not only focus on premium content but will also provide a wider variety of programming to attract a broader audience."
While Discovery+ will remain a stand-alone app, the merger with HBO Max will provide the new service with a much larger library of content, which is expected to be a key selling point for the platform. By combining HBO's award-winning content with Discovery's extensive collection of documentaries and unscripted shows, Max hopes to compete more directly with other streaming services in the market.
Overall, the HBO Max and Discovery+ merger is an exciting development for the streaming industry, and it will be interesting to see how the new service will fare against its competitors. As we await the official unveiling and launch of the platform, it is clear that Max is set to offer a wider range of programming at a competitive price point, which will undoubtedly attract a large and diverse audience.
