Barclays: Stop Treating OTT Like Linear TV
The failure of NBC’s comedy SVOD service, Seeso, is largely the result of a failed strategy of simply taking linear content online, Barclays contends. “In our opinion, most media companies are looking at OTT as a defense mechanism to solve for the loss of legacy distribution due to cord-cutting and shaving,” said a Barclays investor note, spearheaded by analyst Kannan Venkateshwar.
In the wake of layoffs and the departure of its top executive, the company announced Wednesday on Facebook, “We’re writing to let you know that later this year, Seeso will be shutting its comedy doors.”
Evan Shapiro, the head of NBCUniversal’s comedy streaming service, has left the company. Maggie Suniewick, NBCUniversal president of digital enterprises, to whom Shapiro has been reporting, will take over his responsibilities.
The streaming service, which goes live today, features both older shows, including Saturday Night Live, and new, original comedy series.
NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises’ latest move into OTT, offers “2,500 hours of content, 20 original series and a brand-new platform built from scratch,” according to EVP Evan Shapiro.
Exclusives
The ad-free subscription streaming comedy channel from NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises, will be available starting Jan. 7 on http://www.seeso.com, iOS and Android platforms for $3.99 per month, with additional platforms to be added later.
NBC’s SeeSo, a $3.99-per-month over-the-top subscription channel, will stream episodes and clips from both the network’s top comedies like Saturday Night Live and The Office as well as others. The ad-free streaming service is slated for a January launch.
