StackTV

Summary

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
Type of site
Internet television package
Available inEnglish
Headquarters
Area servedCanada (nationwide)
OwnerCorus Entertainment
URLwww.stacktv.ca
LaunchedJune 3, 2019

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]

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

  1. ^ a b "Corus launches STACKTV, a multi-channel TV package for Canadian Amazon Prime members". Global News. June 3, 2019. Retrieved September 26, 2020.
  2. ^ a b Kritsonis, Ted (December 16, 2019). "Corus' StackTV wants cord-cutters to stream live TV". MobileSyrup. Retrieved September 26, 2020.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ "Alison Sweeney joins Days of Our Lives holiday flick". Toronto Sun. November 26, 2021. Retrieved January 12, 2022.
  5. ^ Corus Entertainment's Specialty Drama Networks, Showcase and W Network, Announce Winter 2022 Premiere Dates Featuring 12 New and Returning Titles
  6. ^ Pinto, Jordan (January 14, 2022). "Corus sells 250 hours of content, expands StackTV distribution". C21Media. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
  7. ^ "STACKTV NOW AVAILABLE ON ROGERS IGNITE TV AND IGNITE SMARTSTREAM", Newswire, February 9, 2022, retrieved February 22, 2022
  8. ^ Pinto, Jordan (June 29, 2020). "Doug Murphy on Peacock deal, StackTV growth and Corus Studios". Playback. Retrieved September 26, 2020.
  9. ^ Pinto, Jordan (June 29, 2021). "Corus revenue up in Q3, with a slight year-to-date dip". Media in Canada. Retrieved October 15, 2021.

External links edit

  • Official website
  • StackTV landing page on PrimeVideo.com