Google Gains, Disney Pains: PESTLE and SWOT Updates in Streaming Land
Recently, millions of DirecTV users were caught off guard when channels like ESPN and ABC suddenly went dark.
DIRECTV and Disney were unable to agree to a deal, so all Disney-owned channels — ABC, ESPN, etc. — were just shut off during the U.S. Open and minutes before the USC-LSU game.
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) September 1, 2024
This happened because Disney and DirecTV couldn’t agree on a new contract. Disney wants more money to broadcast its channels, while DirecTV wants to offer cheaper, smaller packages that let customers pick and choose what they want to watch.
This blackout happened during important sports events like the U.S. Open and college football, which made viewers even more upset. Many took to social media to complain, and some decided to leave DirecTV altogether, choosing YouTube TV instead, which offers many of the same channels without the hassle.
It’s a great day to be YouTube TV https://t.co/03fKrW4hEr pic.twitter.com/dWi8eRuNng
— Tyson Hutchins (@tysonhutchins_) September 1, 2024
For Disney, this situation is risky. Losing viewers during key events can hurt their reputation and bottom line. But it’s also an opportunity for Disney to push its streaming services, like Hulu and ESPN+, which are becoming more popular as people move away from traditional cable and satellite TV.
On the other hand, Google, which owns YouTube TV, is benefiting from the situation. As more people cut the cord, YouTube TV is gaining subscribers, which strengthens Google’s position in the streaming market.
Hey @DIRECTV we pay you well north of $200 a month and you cut out the US Open and Phillies on ESPN. Well guess what. We just started our free trial to YouTube TV and am cancelling you on Tuesday. Been toying with the idea for a while. Decision has now been made.
— Nate Kucsma (@NKucsma_ASI) September 2, 2024
This conflict highlights the growing tension between traditional TV providers and content creators. As more people switch to streaming, companies like Disney and Google are competing to control how we watch TV in the future.
I have been using YouTube TV for 2 days and it is easily the best product in the game
— IcyVert (@IcyVert) September 2, 2024
Based on this recent dispute between Disney and DirecTV, which led to millions of viewers losing access to key channels, I’ll be updating the PESTLE and SWOT analyses for both Disney and Google.
- For Disney, this event highlights significant threats and opportunities in how they distribute content.
- For Google, the shift of viewers to YouTube TV presents new strengths and opportunities in the streaming market.
These updates will reflect the changing dynamics in the media industry and their impact on both companies’ strategies.
Google SWOT Analysis Update
Strengths
- User Preference: The growing preference for YouTube TV over traditional TV services highlights Google’s strength in providing modern, flexible viewing options.