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
  • Chancellor Kent Syverud Honored as Distinguished Citizen of the Year at 57th Annual ScoutPower Event
    Thursday, May 8, 2025, By News Staff
  • New Maymester Program Allows Student-Athletes to Develop ‘Democracy Playbook’
    Thursday, May 8, 2025, By Wendy S. Loughlin
  • From Policy to Practice: How AI is Shaping the Future of Education
    Thursday, May 8, 2025, By Christopher Munoz
  • Kohn, Wiklund, Wilmoth Named Distinguished Professors
    Thursday, May 8, 2025, By Wendy S. Loughlin
  • Major League Soccer’s Meteoric Rise: From Underdog to Global Contender
    Wednesday, May 7, 2025, By Keith Kobland

More In Media Tip Sheets

From Policy to Practice: How AI is Shaping the Future of Education

President Trump recently signed an executive order focusing on educational opportunities surrounding artificial intelligence. Among other things, it establishes a task force to promote AI-related education and tools in the classroom. That is a major area of focus for Dr….

V-E Day: The End of WWII in Europe, 80 Years Later

This week marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (V-E) Day, when Nazi Germany formally surrendered to Allied forces on May 8, 1945, bringing an end to World War II in Europe. While it signaled the collapse of Hitler’s…

Hendricks Chapel Reflects on the Legacy of Pope Francis

If you need an expert to discuss the legacy of Pope Francis, you may want to consider Syracuse University Catholic Father Gerry Waterman, OFM Conv., or The Rev. Brian E. Konkol, Ph.D., vice president and dean of Hendricks Chapel. He…

Diving Deep Into the Fluoride Debate

Fluoride in drinking water has become a highly charged topic in recent weeks. In March, Utah became the first state to prohibit the addition of fluoride to the state’s public water systems, a move praised by U.S. Health Secretary Robert…

Dire Wolves Resurrected? Bioethics Expert Questions the Reality of “De-Extinction” Amid Genetic Engineering Milestone

It’s a headline sure to grab a reader’s attention – after thousands of years of extinction, a biotechnology company claims it has brought back the dire wolf through genetic engineering. But is this milestone truly “de-extinction,” and what are some…

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.