The cord-cutter package for the Hulu with Live TV streaming service just got more expensive; according to a new report from Deadline, the service is notifying customers of a $10 per month price increase, effective December 18.
The increase brings Hulu with Live TV's price to $65 per month, making it the most expensive service along with YouTube TV; Fubo TV is currently $60 per month; Hulu has not disclosed the reason for the 18% price increase.
Hulu, now owned by The Walt Disney Company, is probably just hoping that customers are enjoying their service and will not switch. Hulu with Live TV is the only service of its kind that offers original programming, which is an important differentiator.
The only problem is that YouTube TV offers over 20 channels per month, including Viacom-owned networks such as Comedy Central and VH1. These channels were added during YouTube TV's most recent price increase, which added $15 to the monthly fee in June.
Sling still offers a $30/month fee, but its assortment is only "30+ channels," compared to Hulu's 60+ and YouTube TV's 85+.
However, Netflix's $1 increase to its standard plan and $2 increase to its 4K premium plan were not as severe.
The Walt Disney Co. appears to be trying to offset losses in its other businesses. In its most recent earnings call, the company reported an overall loss last quarter as COVID-19 impacted box office revenues and continued disagreements with California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has stated that he will continue to close theme parks in the state to stop the spread of the new coronavirus The company's results were also in the red last quarter.
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