We’ve heard tales of how Foxtel/Seven’s joint venture streaming service Presto has struggled to find market success in recent months, so today’s news is not entirely surprising. Foxtel has acquired Seven West Media’s interest and intends to shutter Presto at the end of January 2017 and subscribers moving over to Foxtel Play, which has seen increased development from Foxtel in recent months.
Seven West Media will still be involved with the project, with their CEO and Managing Director stating they “look forward to continuing to work closely with Foxtel, in particular in the creation of new programming content”. This is demonstrated with what is apparently a big drawcard – two new Home and Away specials to be released to Presto/Foxtel Play this summer, following last year’s “Eye for an Eye” special episode.
Foxtel’s side of the story:
It has been great working with the team at Seven on Presto and we look forward to future collaborations. We are delighted to be able to offer Presto subscribers access to the new look Foxtel Play, which we know will be highly attractive to them.
From December this year, all Presto customers will have access to Foxtel Play. Presto will then cease to operate from January 31, 2017.
There is no word as to whether the current shows and movies on Presto will all be transferred over to Foxtel Play come December 2016. If they are then it may be a big improvement over the current Presto offerings when combined with Foxtel’s current offerings.
Are you a Presto customer? Do you see this as an improvement and will you keep your Presto/Foxtel Play subscription? If you’re not currently a customer, will this tempt you to sign up for Foxtel Play?
