Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Media Tip Sheets
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Media Tip Sheets

Streaming Wars: Expert Believes Bundle Discussions Could Lead to Acquisitions

Wednesday, December 6, 2023, By Christopher Munoz
Share
Newhouse School of Public Communications

When streaming first hit the scene, it promised an alternative to the pricey cable bundle. But with the number of services ballooning and prices rising, it appears the idea of bundling may be making a comeback. Apple and Paramount are reportedly the latest to explore offering their streaming services at a combined discount.

Photograph of J. Christopher Hamilton

J. Christopher Hamilton

J. Christopher Hamilton is a Syracuse University professor and streaming industry expert. He says that it’s not surprising that providers are exploring the idea but expects it to remain limited due to sensitivities like sharing user data, and he adds that discussions could instead lead to acquisitions.

“The streaming bundle is not a new phenomenon, especially when a large portion of the “bundling” activity is being facilitated through (i) non-content producing intermediaries like Verizon (i.e., a mobile carrier) bundling Netflix and Max, (ii) legacy media companies bundling their own services (i.e., Disney +/Hulu/ESPN) or (iii) streaming services that don’t pose a real threat to each other such as Paramount+ and Apple.”

I suspect a company like Apple or Amazon would pivot to making other streamers like Paramount+ an acquisition target before exploring a bundling package with a real competitor.

“Apple, a company that’s spending an estimated $7B on content this year and operates as the largest corporation in the world (by market cap), isn’t in competition with Paramount+. Its competition are tech giants like Samsung, Google and Microsoft. Even though both Apple and Paramount+ may have the lowest subscribers, approximately 40M and 60M, respectively, and the highest churn rates, Apple is focused on creating high-end and star-studded projects (The Morning Show, “Killers”, “Ted Lasso”, etc.) and not just flooding the market with more content. Apple is also establishing itself as a premier streaming aggregator through its streaming app and this foray into bundling other services beyond its own (Apple TV + with Apple Music and Apple Arcade) is well-aligned with that strategy.”

“Consumers will undoubtedly benefit from an increase in streaming bundles and streaming aggregators. However, we’ve yet to cross the Rubicon of seeing that kind of activity amongst real rivals that would be forced to share user data on their respective subscribers. I suspect a company like Apple or Amazon would pivot to making other streamers like Paramount+ an acquisition target before exploring a bundling package with a real competitor to mitigate churn or slow growth.”

To request interviews or get more information:

Chris Munoz
Media Relations Specialist
cjmunoz@syr.edu

  • Author
  • Faculty Experts

Christopher Munoz

  • J. Christopher Hamilton

  • Recent
  • Doctoral Candidate Wins Grant for Research on Infrastructure, Violence and Resistance in Pakistan
    Friday, August 1, 2025, By News Staff
  • Co-President of Disability Law Society Eyes Career in National Security Law in Washington
    Thursday, July 31, 2025, By Jordan Bruenger
  • Lender Center New York Event Gathers Wealth Gap Experts
    Wednesday, July 30, 2025, By Diane Stirling
  • After Tragedy, Newhouse Grad Rediscovers Her Voice Through Podcasting
    Wednesday, July 30, 2025, By Chris Velardi
  • Back-to-School Shopping: More Expensive and Less Variety of Back-to-School Items
    Tuesday, July 29, 2025, By Daryl Lovell

More In Media Tip Sheets

Iran Escalation: Experts Available This Week

If you’re covering the latest developments with Iran and their impact on Israel, the U.S., China, Russia, global supply chains, and more, Syracuse University faculty experts are available for interviews this week. Below, you’ll find a list of experts along…

SCOTUS Win for Combat Veterans Backed by Syracuse Law Clinic

On Thursday, June 12, the United States Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in Soto v. United States, marking a significant victory for U.S. combat veterans seeking disability compensation. The 9-0 opinion, authored by Justice Clarence Thomas, held that the…

Japan’s Crackdown on ‘Shiny’ Names Sparks Cultural Reflection

In a move that’s turning heads both in Japan and abroad, the Japanese government is reportedly cracking down on so-called “shiny” names, unconventional names often inspired by pop culture references like “Pikachu” or “Nike” given to newborns. While some see…

5 Tips to Protect Your Health and Prepare for Worsening Air Conditions

The smoke from more than 100 Canadian wildfires is reaching many regions within the U.S., including as far south as Georgia. Air quality is deteriorating in the Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast, prompting health advisories in many cities. In Canada,…

Expert Available to Discuss DOD Acceptance of Qatari Jet

If you’re a reporter covering the U.S. Department of Defense’s acceptance of a luxury jet from Qatar, Alex Wagner, adjunct professor at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, is available for interviews. Please see his comments below….

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • Youtube
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2025 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.