ProSiebenSat.1 and Discovery want to set up a joint platform for OTT and mobile TV in Germany.
The media companies have founded a joint venture in which both sides hold a 50% stake each.
At launch, the streaming service will bring together the seven channels included in ProSiebenSat.1’s mobile app 7TV: Sat.1, ProSieben, kabel eins, sixx, ProSieben Maxx, Sat.1 Gold and kabel eins Doku, along with Discovery’s German free-to-air channels DMAX and TLC.
The enhanced streaming service will initially be delivered to consumers under the 7TV brand using its app and underlying technology platform; further technology enhancements are planned by the partners. The launch is expected to take place later this year, depending on anti-trust approval.
According to ProSiebenSat.1 and Discovery, the streaming service is a first step in this partnership that will also see the creation of a broader OTT platform which will include other channels and content from Discovery and eventually further content partners. ProSiebenSat.1 and Discovery welcome discussions with other media companies to include their content on the platform and to join the venture.
The partners are also pursuing strategies regarding sports content through the joint venture including packaging the 7TV service with Discovery’s direct-to-consumer Eurosport Player app. Recently, Discovery’s sports channel Eurosport secured several key sports rights for the German market including Bundesliga football matches, beginning this August, and the Olympic Winter Games 2018.
A search process for a chief executive to lead the joint venture is currently underway.
