YouTube TV recently announced a double-digit increase in the base plan for their linear streaming service crossing the $80 threshold to $82.99 per month.
In response to the increase, the company said it was needed to keep up with the rising content costs and infrastructure investments. Current subscribers will see this increase go into effect on January 13th.
In monitoring national reporting and subsequent reader comments we are seeing an aha moment for consumers realizing the national OTT “good guys” are no longer willing to absorb losing money for the sake of increasing their customer base.
Local Operators Have a Competitive Advantage
Local programming has always been important especially in rural America as you can see from our 2024 Rural Consumer Video Report.
One advantage that local video operators have over YouTube TV is their ability to offer bare-bones packages that include all-important local channels. A quick internet search around the nation revealed basic packages with up to 50 channels including local broadcast stations were running from $44-$59 per month. This is a big deal when you consider a consumer who has YouTube TV for the sole purpose of getting local channels. The money they save could then be used for Netflix, Disney+, or some other subscription, giving them the best of both worlds for the same or less money.
