Disney+ subscribers will soon have access to ABC News Live. The 24/7 streaming news channel featuring live newscasts, breaking news, live events and special reports will be available to all subscribers beginning September 4, 2024.
At the same time, a new playlist focused on preschool content will also become available to all subscribers. This playlist will feature various TV series and shorts available on Disney+, including Sofia the First, The Lion Guard, Puppy Dog Pals, and Minnie’s Bow-Toons.
Later this year, Disney plans to follow up with the rolling out of another four curated playlists, albeit only for Disney+ Premium subscribers to begin with. The four continuous playlists coming in the fall include:
- Seasonal Content — a collection of seasonal-themed content from across the Disney+ catalog
- Epic Stories — a compilation of action-packed stories from marquee brands and franchises, including Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars
- Throwbacks — a destination for nostalgic pop culture content
- Real Life — a lineup of traditional documentaries, biopics, and true
These continuous playlists are, in effect, the equivalent to live channels, as subscribers can simply tune in at any time and start watching whatever is being shown at the time.
“Playlists are the latest example of how we’re providing the best value and experience for our subscribers every time they open Disney+,” Alisa Bowen, President, Disney+, said. “Whether it’s news, kids’ content, popular genres, hit TV shows or blockbuster films, there will be something for everyone in a lean-back viewing experience based on seasonality and interest.”
While it would be good to say subscribers are getting access to these additional features at no additional cost, that’s not really the case. Along with announcing ABC News Live and continuous playlists, Disney also confirmed the cost of a Disney+ subscription is increasing later this year.
Beginning October 17, the price of the Disney+ Basic plan will increase to $9.99 a month and Disney+ Premium will increase to $15.99 a month (or $159.99 a year). The round of increases will also result in the cost of the Disney Duo Basic bundle increasing to $10.99, up from the current $9.99 a month bundle price
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