CBS News Launches CBSN Streaming Network
By Ian Bush
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- With shows like The Sopranos, HBO has long been considered an innovator when it comes to television. Now, it seems, it's spurred another TV trend toward cord-cutting. A broadcast news operation is joining that fray.
CBS News is now streaming 24/7 -- most of it live, anchored coverage. KYW Newsradio's parent company's digital network is called CBSN, and it's available on Internet-connected screens from smartphones to computers and televisions.
"I think it's quite shrewd positioning to be able to distribute your product on many platforms," says Paul Gluck, a professor of media studies and production at Temple University, "and also to engender new audiences as you do that."
Gluck says it's encouraging for those who want to leave cable bills behind.
"I think they're encouraging so-called cord-cutters to cut costs," he says, "but also to be able to find the same content that they enjoy."
CBSN is supported by ads. HBO's streaming service, out next year, is a paid subscription, as is CBS All Access -- live and archive shows for which a cable subscription isn't needed, though an Internet connection is.
"The largest cable distributors in America didn't get to be that way by not finding a way to counter these kinds of initiatives," Gluck says. "I wouldn't count out Comcast or Time Warner or anyone else."
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