Apple to take on streaming rivals

Apple is expected to take on streaming rivals like Netflix and Amazon as Hollywood giants Disney and Warner Media also move into the space.

Here is a rundown of the key players in the market.

Netflix is the undisputed leader in streaming television with about 140-million paying subscribers in 190 countries and territories and hit shows like The Crown, House of Cards and Stranger Things.

But it may be vulnerable, according to analysts, if it loses access to big shows since it does not have other revenue from services or products to subsidise its streaming.

Hulu ended 2018 with about 25-million subscribers in the US for its various streaming plans, some of which are adsupported.

Hulu has followed Netflix into original shows including The Handmaid’s Tale and Castle Rock.

But a big question is how the shakeup in the media industry will affect Hulu, part owned by Disney, NBC Universal and Warner Media – with each of these firms moving into their own streaming services, its future is uncertain.

Amazon may be less vulnerable to new competition because its revenue base comes from the broader base of services and not streaming.

Now the biggest powerhouse in the media-entertainment world, Walt Disney Co, will be launching its Disney+ streaming service in 2019.

Disney will have as much as 40% of US box office receipts following its deal for the assets of 21st Century Fox combined with its own studio and ABC television programmes, giving it a vast library that includes the Star Wars and Marvel superhero franchises.

Warner Media has the assets of Warner Bros studios, premium channel HBO and Turner broadcasting.