Disney channels’ viewers in Southeast Asia may soon find themselves unable to watch their favorite programs starting October. The company is reportedly focusing into its Disney+ streaming services, despite the fact that it is currently not available in many countries in the region.
DISNEY is reportedly shutting down 18 of its television channels in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, to focus on the streaming service Disney+.
All channels Disney owns and including most from their acquisition of 21st Century Fox three years ago will close with the exception of Star Chinese Channel, Star Chinese Movies, National Geographic Channel, and Nat Geo Wild, starting October 1.
The Walt Disney Company has released a statement that the company is "consolidating its Media Networks business primarily in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong", as part of the company's "global effort to pivot towards a direct-to-consumer-first model and further grow" its streaming services.
The news first broke out to employees in Singapore and Disney has confirmed through Channel News Asia (CNA) and Yahoo Lifestyle SEA.
This is despite Disney+ is currently only available in two Southeast Asian markets, Singapore and Indonesia. The streaming service is currently not available in the Philippines.
The company said it will roll out in more markets in the region but has only identified Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Analysts have spoken about the consolidation of entertainment cable channels into streaming services and on-demand viewing, especially during pandemic lockdowns.
Because of the limitations, companies have released movies online rather than in theaters like Mulan (2020) and Raya and the Last Dragon (2021).
However, it could also be said for Disney shows when they released WandaVision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier on the streaming service. (HD)
Tags: #television, #streamingservices, #Disney+