It’s no secret that YouTube has been planning an online television streaming service for cord-cutters for a while now—but it may finally be coming together as soon as next year, and some TV heavy hitters are rumored to be joining the pack.
The Verge reports that ESPN, ABC, and CBS may be available through the service, which is expected to be a subscription-based service called Unplugged. The major networks’ role in the service has not yet been confirmed, but they are all “firmly expected” to be included.
YouTube is also reportedly pursuing NBCUniversal, Viacom, and Twenty-First Century Fox to be available through the service as “skinny bundles,” or small customized TV packages viewable on YouTube’s website and apps.
Unplugged is not YouTube’s first foray into subscription-based services. Earlier this year, YouTube launched YouTube Red, which has been met with mixed reactions from content creators and consumers alike.
Google, which owns YouTube, has reportedly been working on Unplugged since 2012. The Information reports that the service will be offered to users for $35 a month, and it’s likely to launch in 2017.
H/T Verge
