StackTV
 | |
Type of site | Internet television package |
|---|---|
| Available in | English |
| Headquarters | |
| Area served | Canada (nationwide) |
| Owner | Corus Entertainment |
| URL | www |
| Launched | June 3, 2019, 5 years ago |
StackTV (stylized in all-caps as STACKTV) is a Canadian subscription video streaming package offered by Corus Entertainment. It was announced on June 3, 2019 and was originally offered through Amazon's Prime Video Channels; the offering launched shortly thereafter as an add-on for Amazon Prime subscribers.[1][2]
StackTV functions similarly to a virtual multichannel video programming distributor (vMVPD, or "Live TV" service), providing access to Corus-owned television channels, including both live linear feeds and on-demand programming during Corus' term of license. The service is intended for cord-cutters;[2] providing access to Corus' linear channels through over-the-top media services without the need for a traditional TV service subscription (unlike the Global TV app, which requires an authenticated subscription through a cable service provider). In contrast to the defunct subscription streaming service Shomi (which was operated as a joint venture between Rogers Sports & Media and Corus' sister company, Shaw Communications),[3] StackTV initially offered no exclusive programming beyond that seen on Corus's linear networks and their own on-demand content.
StackTV is one of two, Canadian-based, Live TV services; RiverTV would launch a year later in 2020.
History
[edit]In December 2021, StackTV premiered Days of Our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas day-and-date with Peacock in the United States, prior to its linear premiere on W Network the following month.[4][5]
In January 2022, Corus announced plans to offer StackTV through Rogers Cable's IPTV-based Ignite TV and SmartStream services.[6]
In February 2022, the Canadian version of Lifetime was added to the service.[7]
StackTV added the Disney-branded Corus channels (Disney Channel, Disney Junior, and Disney XD) in December 2022.[citation needed]
Programming
[edit]Channels currently offered through the service as of March 2023 include:[1]
- Adult Swim
- Cartoon Network Canada (formerly Teletoon)
- Disney Channel Canada
- Disney Junior Canada
- Disney XD Canada
- Food Network Canada
- Global (BC, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Halifax)
- HGTV Canada
- The History Channel
- Lifetime Canada
- National Geographic
- Showcase
- Slice
- Treehouse
- W Network
- YTV
Reception
[edit]Corus announced in June 2020 that the service had achieved 200,000 subscribers, with executives saying the service had become a "meaningful part of [the company's] portfolio".[8] By June 2021, the combined number of subscribers to StackTV and Corus' other Amazon-based service, Nick+, had increased to over 600,000 subscribers, similar to those of other streaming services.[9]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Corus launches STACKTV, a multi-channel TV package for Canadian Amazon Prime members". Global News. June 3, 2019. Retrieved September 26, 2020.
- ^ a b Kritsonis, Ted (December 16, 2019). "Corus' StackTV wants cord-cutters to stream live TV". MobileSyrup. Retrieved September 26, 2020.
- ^ Ahearn, Victoria (May 27, 2015). "Shomi, Rogers and Shaw's Streaming Service, To Launch Across Canada This Summer". HuffPost (via The Canadian Press). Retrieved October 29, 2020.
- ^ "Alison Sweeney joins Days of Our Lives holiday flick". Toronto Sun. November 26, 2021. Retrieved January 12, 2022.
- ^ Corus Entertainment's Specialty Drama Networks, Showcase and W Network, Announce Winter 2022 Premiere Dates Featuring 12 New and Returning Titles
- ^ Pinto, Jordan (January 14, 2022). "Corus sells 250 hours of content, expands StackTV distribution". C21Media. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
- ^ "STACKTV NOW AVAILABLE ON ROGERS IGNITE TV AND IGNITE SMARTSTREAM", Newswire, February 9, 2022, retrieved February 22, 2022
- ^ Pinto, Jordan (June 29, 2020). "Doug Murphy on Peacock deal, StackTV growth and Corus Studios". Playback. Retrieved September 26, 2020.
- ^ Pinto, Jordan (June 29, 2021). "Corus revenue up in Q3, with a slight year-to-date dip". Media in Canada. Retrieved October 15, 2021.