StackTV

Last updated
StackTV
StackTV logo.png
Type of site
Internet television package
Available in English
Headquarters
Area servedCanada (nationwide)
Owner Corus Entertainment
URL www.stacktv.ca
LaunchedJune 3, 2019

StackTV (stylized in all-caps as STACKTV) is a Canadian subscription video streaming package offered by Corus Entertainment. It was announced on June 3, 2019 and was originally offered through Amazon's Prime Video Channels; the offering launched shortly thereafter as an add-on for Amazon Prime subscribers. [1] [2]

Contents

StackTV functions similarly to a virtual multichannel video programming distributor (vMVPD, or "Live TV" service), providing access to Corus-owned television channels, including both live linear feeds and on-demand programming during Corus' term of license. The service is intended for cord-cutters; [2] providing access to Corus' linear channels through over-the-top media services without the need for a traditional TV service subscription (unlike the Global TV app, which requires an authenticated subscription through a cable service provider). In contrast to the defunct subscription streaming service Shomi (which was operated as a joint venture between Rogers Sports & Media and Corus' sister company, Shaw Communications), [3] StackTV initially offered no exclusive programming beyond that seen on Corus's linear networks and their own on-demand content.

StackTV is one of two, Canadian-based, Live TV services; RiverTV would launch a year later in 2020.

History

In December 2021, StackTV premiered Days of Our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas day-and-date with Peacock in the United States, prior to its linear premiere on W Network the following month. [4] [5]

In January 2022, Corus announced plans to offer StackTV through Rogers Cable's IPTV-based Ignite TV and SmartStream services. [6]

In February 2022, the Canadian version of Lifetime was added to the service. [7]

StackTV added the Disney-branded Corus channels (Disney Channel, Disney Junior, and Disney XD) in December 2022.[ citation needed ]

Programming

Channels currently offered through the service as of March 2023 include: [1]

Reception

Corus announced in June 2020 that the service had achieved 200,000 subscribers, with executives saying the service had become a "meaningful part of [the company's] portfolio". [8] By June 2021, the combined number of subscribers to StackTV and Corus' other Amazon-based service, Nick+, had increased to over 600,000 subscribers, similar to those of other streaming services. [9]

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References

  1. 1 2 "Corus launches STACKTV, a multi-channel TV package for Canadian Amazon Prime members". Global News . June 3, 2019. Retrieved September 26, 2020.
  2. 1 2 Kritsonis, Ted (December 16, 2019). "Corus' StackTV wants cord-cutters to stream live TV". MobileSyrup. Retrieved September 26, 2020.
  3. Ahearn, Victoria (May 27, 2015). "Shomi, Rogers and Shaw's Streaming Service, To Launch Across Canada This Summer". HuffPost (via The Canadian Press). Retrieved October 29, 2020.
  4. "Alison Sweeney joins Days of Our Lives holiday flick". Toronto Sun . November 26, 2021. Retrieved January 12, 2022.
  5. Corus Entertainment's Specialty Drama Networks, Showcase and W Network, Announce Winter 2022 Premiere Dates Featuring 12 New and Returning Titles
  6. Pinto, Jordan (January 14, 2022). "Corus sells 250 hours of content, expands StackTV distribution". C21Media. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
  7. "STACKTV NOW AVAILABLE ON ROGERS IGNITE TV AND IGNITE SMARTSTREAM", Newswire, February 9, 2022, retrieved February 22, 2022
  8. Pinto, Jordan (June 29, 2020). "Doug Murphy on Peacock deal, StackTV growth and Corus Studios". Playback . Retrieved September 26, 2020.
  9. Pinto, Jordan (June 29, 2021). "Corus revenue up in Q3, with a slight year-to-date dip". Media in Canada. Retrieved October 15, 2021.