Pay TV firm Fetch eyes NZ move

Movie lovers, Netflix binge-watchers and Sky TV viewers could be in line for savings, as Australian pay-TV company Fetch eyes a move into New Zealand.

The second largest pay-TV provider in Australia has been looking at the New Zealand market for several years and says it is seriously considering launching here this year.

It operates an “all your entertainment in one place” model, offering a range of TV channel packages and Netflix integration.

It also has more than 7000 movies including new releases for rent or purchase, and TV shows by the episode or series to buy with major titles such as Game of Thrones, Big Little Lies, Vikings and Peaky Blinders.

In comparison with Sky’s model, where consumers have to buy a $24.91 Starter pack and then add on movies or sports, Fetch offers packages such as Vibe which includes sports or entertainment for just A$6 ($6.42) a month.

A combination of its four main packages of 50 premium channels, plus free to air, costs A$20 a month.

Chief executive Scott Lorson says Fetch differs from the traditional pay-TV model where consumers have to buy an expensive entry level pack to be able to access additional content such as sports or movies.

“The traditional walls are crumbling and consumers are the winners.”

Lorson says if the launch goes ahead, Fetch will look to replicate its Australian model in terms of offering and value.

The company could be especially attractive to sports fans: under the Fetch model, they would be able to pay about A$6 a month for sport, compared with $54.91 on Sky.

The obvious catch is that Fetch currently doesn’t offer rugby — the main drawcard for Kiwi sports fans.

Fetch has 650,000 subscribers and is adding 20,000 per month, said Lorson, next to Sky’s 779,000. Last year, Fetch added 200,000 subscribers while Sky lost 37,000.