Comcast is reportedly in talks to purchase the free live TV and on-demand streaming service, Xumo. Comcast also owns NBCUniversal. With NBCU planning to launch a new Peacock streaming service in 2020, it could be the case Xumo becomes part of Comcast and NBCU’s grander Peacock plan – should a deal be finalized.
Xumo is one of the few services that offers access to live TV channels, as well as on-demand content for free. The service is able to achieve this through the use of an ad-supported model. In total, Xumo claims to offer access to over 190 different channels covering movies, music, news, comedy, sports, and more. All of which is accessible without the need of a subscription, credit card, or even registration.
The details regarding Comcast’s potential purchase of Xumo comes from the Wall Street Journal who credits “people familiar with the matter” for the information. According to the report, nothing has been finalized yet and it remains possible a deal between the two won’t be reached. However, the report does suggest the two companies are currently, and exclusively, in “advanced talks.”
Xumo could make Peacock free to all
NBCU is expected to launch its new Peacock streaming service in the first half of 2020. While the service has been announced, and formerly named, details surrounding the cost have remained less forthcoming. Recent indications have suggested NBCU might employed a tiered approach where the cost of access to content depends on various factors, such as the level of content/access and or whether the viewer is already a subscriber to Comcast in general.
More recently, CNBC reported Comcast and NBCU were also considering a full, ad-supported tier. That is, a version of Peacock that’s free to everyone. In principle, this could be where Xumo fits into that service neatly considering it already offers free, ad-supported content to consumers. In addition to affording NBCU the option to employ a paid subscription approach for those looking for access to its more premium and NBC-specific content. This combined approach would see the Peacock streaming service appealing to all sectors of the market with tailored and price-relevant content.
Alternatively, Comcast may also opt to let Xumo continue to operate as it currently does – similar to how Viacom has continued Pluto TV operations since acquiring the service in early 2019.
Xumo is currently available to download as an app for both Android and iOS. It can also be added as a channel on Roku TV and players, or accessed via Amazon Fire TV devices.
Source: WSJ
