2 New Live TV Streaming Services Are Launching & YouTube TV Adds A New Channel

Two new live TV streaming launches (cord-cutting focus)

• MS Now: A new live + on-demand service launching quietly and currently available web-browser only (no Roku/Fire TV app mentioned yet).
  • Price: $7.99/month
  • Year plan: Includes a promo first-year discount
  • Ads: Not fully ad-free—its live feed includes ads, similar to services like YouTube TV and Hulu
  • Positioning: The host frames it as competing with the many free live news options already offered on major platforms (e.g., YouTube channels and existing “live news” services).

Big trend emphasized: consumers want free live news

The host argues that people “want live news, but they want it free,” implying that subscription options around $80/year may struggle against the many free alternatives already available.

Sony/PlayStation launches a free ad-supported streaming service

Sony announced a free, ad-supported streaming option, presented as part of a larger industry shift toward platforms offering free tiers to drive ad revenue.

• The host notes similar moves by Roku, TCL, Vizio, and Samsung
• Commentary: Sony allegedly missed an opportunity by not naming/branding the service in a way that echoes the old “PlayStation View” concept

YouTube TV adds deeper ESPN Unlimited integration

YouTube TV announced full integration of ESPN Unlimited directly inside the YouTube TV app.

• Exclusive events will appear in a dedicated in-app area/section labeled “ESPN Unlimited”
• This avoids requiring users to leave the YouTube TV experience
• The host says familiar features—such as multiview and DVR storage—are included

Roku releases new premium “Pro” OLED TV lineup at lower pricing

Roku announced new high-end OLED “Pro” TVs (including a referenced LX OLED line) aimed at approximately $1,000–$1,200, instead of typical ~$2,000 OLED pricing.

Highlighted features include:

• 4K
• 120Hz
• Ultra-wide viewing angles
• Gaming mode
• Voice controls
• On-TV find remote feature

Timing mentioned: October. Some models are already visible on Amazon, suggesting shipping could follow soon.

Amazon faces FTC + multi-state lawsuit over ad-related practices

The FTC and 22 states are suing Amazon over alleged deceptive advertising charges, centered on claims about ad pricing/charging practices.

• The host notes the lawsuit appears bipartisan
• Expected outcome (based on past patterns): likely settlement-like changes, referencing Amazon’s historical approach in similar cases

iHeartMedia earnings: radio revenue down, digital up

iHeartMedia reported:

• AM/FM revenue down ~4.7%
• Digital audio/podcast-related revenue up ~12.4%
• But not enough growth to offset the declines

The host speculates about the future of radio, including possible station closures or shifts toward more digital-only models due to ongoing cost pressure and layoffs.

TV/media milestones and content expansion news

• Mr. Rogers Neighborhood: Mentioned as ending 25 years ago (around late August 2001), and now continuing via a dedicated official YouTube channel with full episodes/clips.
• Howard Stern: Returns to SiriusXM and also expands to HBO Max, raising the question of whether this can help HBO Max grow.
• Pluto TV: Adds more anime, including more dubbed titles (examples cited include One Punch Man and Iron Fortress) via new content partnerships.

Presenter/Contributor

• Luke Balma (host)