Turner Broadcasting’s channels like CNN are already available through standalone internet TV streaming services like Sling TV but the company hasn’t ruled out offering its own channels through a standalone streaming service directly to its subscribers. The network is open to the idea of launching its own service for its channels like Cartoon Planet, TNT, and CNN.
Turner CEO John Martin has confirmed that the network is working on technology that it needs to deliver its channels via a standalone streaming service directly to subscribers. It won’t happen soon and building the required technology is going to take time, but the network is completely willing to go down this path.
“I believe it’s imperative that we put the company on a course, to be in a position, to offer an end-to-end solution, direct to consumer,” Martin told Recode in an interview. It’s not surprising to see Turner see the writing on the wall and accept the importance of TV streaming services as most major networks are now working hard to cater to the cord cutters.
Time Warner owns Turner Broadcasting as well as HBO. We all know that HBO started offering linear streaming of its premium cable network through an online streaming service called HBO Now. ESPN, owned by Disney, is in the process of launching a similar service so Turner’s foray into the online TV streaming arena is not going to surprise anyone.