Disney reported its fiscal second quarter results this week, showing continued direct-to-consumer profitability, as well as modest subscriber gains for both Disney+ and Hulu. Given last year’s second half performance, it’s likely Disney will achieve DTC profitability for the full 2025 fiscal year, a first.

On the earnings call, Disney also noted that next week the branding and pricing for “ESPN Flagship” (the full ESPN DTC product including additional digital features) will be revealed. We anticipate integrated bundling with the existing Disney+/Hulu bundle.

Update: CNBC is reporting the ESPN DTC product will simply be called “ESPN,” and that pay-TV subscribers will get access to the DTC product’s bells and whistles add-on features. Pricing is expected to be $25-30 per month. (Sidenote: As part of the Disney+/Hulu bundle the effective price could be even lower.)

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TiVo released its Q4 Video Trends Report for North America (available here), and on this week’s Inside the Stream we discuss several key takeaways. In particular, viewers are simplifying their video services bundles, with the number dropping again to just under 10. Meanwhile viewers’ average monthly spend dropped to approximately $157, down from $189 just 2 years ago. We also discuss findings related to sports fragmentation and loyalty to incumbent smart TV OS.

Separate, we also highlight data from IAB’s 2025 Digital Video Ad Spend and Strategy Report, available here.

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We’re pleased to interview Vevo’s EVP, Global Sales Rob Christensen this week on Inside the Stream. Rob dives into the details of Vevo Evolve, the company’s new data-driven ad platform. Rob describes its advanced targeting, optimization and measurement capabilities. He also shares how Vevo’s music videos are succeeding across mobile, desktop and connected TV platforms. Looking ahead, Rob also explains how AI will play a big role in Vevo’s future.

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This week we focus on the role of TV operating systems in influencing viewers’ programming choices. Recently Hub Entertainment Research provided insights on OS market share of various streaming media players (Roku’s OS led with a 59% share). Colin shares his experiences searching for TV shows across the big 6 operating systems and how widely the results vary by OS, in turn guiding viewers’ choices. The problem is exacerbated further when searching for over-the-air choices.

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