Plunging Into The Stream Costs $

I’m either currently subscribed or have subscribed-to every major streaming video service. But before I get too deep in the water, let me define streaming as watching something on TV through an internet connection. This is known as an OTT (Over The Top) way to watch since it bypasses those messy coaxial cables and replaces it with either a streaming box or "Smart” TV.  Until recently, you had to pay a monthly subscription for OTT services, but over the past couple of years, several free services (with commercials) have launched.

For purposes of this post, we're only going to be dealing with paid OTT services of which there are three types: First, there are those who act like a traditional cable or satellite service, offering many channels. Those include YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream and Sling TV. Next there are what I call premium single channels such as Netflix, Prime TV and Hulu. Finally, there is an emerging choice known as DTC (Direct To Consumer) which allows a household to subscribe to a single channel that used to only be available in a cable bundle. The Cubs and Marquee Network are an example of DTC as last year, they began offering Marquee as a single subscription choice for $19.99 a month. Others will join the fun. Reports say that ESPN is going DTC in 2025.

Now that we’ve defined things, let’s talk about the turmoil in which we find ourselves. Right now, there are simply too many streaming services. It’s messier than the Kennedy Expressway construction project. With so many services, it's hard to remember what program is on which channel. In the good-old days, we had TV Guide. Every channel and program were listed in one weekly magazine. When cable came along, the on-screen viewer guide replaced TV Guide, but we still had one place to find everything. All was as it should be until those darn streaming services came along. Now, you need a photographic memory to recall what shows are on Netflix, Prime, Hulu, Max, Peacock, Apple+, Paramount+ MGM+ plus all the other individual subscription services out there. And have I mentioned cost? "TVflation" (I just made up that word) has caused prices to go so far through the roof that I just might put an antenna on my roof and be done with the whole thing. No, I won’t because there’s too many good shows and movies to watch. The problem is there are also too many channels showing those choices.

The good news is that I believe we are on the verge of a new round of mergers and acquisitions that may help to clear-up this mess. In the meantime, I thought I would give you the current (1/1/24) prices for the major streamers. This ain’t easy since most have multiple choices with constantly changing prices. But here goes:

Cable/Satellite Wannabees (all monthly costs):

DirecTV Stream: Four choices depending on the channel package - $80/$109/$120/$165

Frndly: Three choices depending on the service you want - $7/$9/$11

Fubo: Three choices depending on channel package - $75/$85/$95

Hulu + Live TV: One choice - $70

Philo: One choice $25

Sling: Three choices depending on channel package - $40/$45/$60

YouTube TV: One choice $73

It should be noted that there are vast differences in the channel choices that are provided and many charge more for premium or add-on channel packages. I can provide you with a spreadsheet which shows every service's offering if you send an e-mail to hmwellsradio@gmail.com.

Premium Streaming Services:

Amazon Prime: $139 a year with membership and ads or $174.88 for no ads or monthly, $8.99 with ads or $10.99 for no ads

Apple+: $9.99 per month. Only one plan and it’s commercial-free

Disney+: $139.99 a year or $13.99 per month for no ads or monthly for $7.99 with ads

Disney Bundle Duo (includes Disney+ and Hulu): $19.99 per month for no ads or $9.99 with ads

Disney Bundle Trio (includes Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu): $24.99 per month for ads on ESPN+ only or $14.99 with ads on all three

ESPN+: $109.99 per year or $10.99 per month both with ads

Fox Nation: $64.99 per year or $5.99 per month both with ads

Max: $15.99 per month for no ads or $9.99 with ads.

Hulu: $17.99 per month for no ads or $7.99 with ads

MGM+: $49.99 per year or $5.99 per month both with no ads

Netflix: $15.49 per month for no ads or $6.99 with ads

Paramount+ Essential: $59.99 per year or $5.99 per month both with ads

Paramount+ Premium (includes Showtime): $119.99 per year or $11.99 per month with limited ads

PBS Passport: $60 per year or $5.00 per month with limited ads

Peacock: $119.99 per year or $11.99 per month for limited ads or $59.99 per year or $5.99 per month with ads

Showtime: $99.99 per year or $10.99 per month, both with no ads

Of course, these are just the major streaming services. There are many others who offer more eclectic programming. It should also be noted that some services charge more for screen sharing or for programming in 4K resolution.

As for pricing on the Direct-to-Consumer channels, it’s very early in the game so I hesitate to go there. I'm sure that 2024 will see more channels going that route. In Chicago, as stated above, Marquee is offering its service for $19.99 per month. As for the other RSN (Regional Sports Network) here, NBC Sports Chicago, this is going to be a huge year. Its contract with the Blackhawks, Bulls and White Sox all expires in October. Jerry Reinsdorf just bought a streaming channel called Stadium. It’s not hard to imagine a Chicago version of Stadium and all three teams moving there as a DTC offering. As they say, watch this space.

As you can see from the above, watching television is expensive. If you want to subscribe to one cable-like streaming service and all of the above single premium channels, it’s going to cost almost $170 to get their services; and that's with commercials. It goes over $200 if you want to limit them. And if you subscribe to cable as opposed to a streaming service, you’re paying even more - perhaps a lot more.

Since I retired from Radio and began using my eyes as well as my ears, I’ve learned some tricks of the trade that can help save money. In fact, I’ve been able to save households from hundreds to even thousands of dollars a year on their TV, Cell and Internet costs. For a free Tech Check look at your bills, email hmwellsradio@gmail.com or visit www.lowertechblls.com because you may not have the time to do all the research on how to save money, but I do.