Disney+ vs. AppleTV+: Are All These Streaming Options a Good Thing?
By Jessilyn Lancaster, Managing Editor
From Steven Spielberg to Meryl Streep to JJ Abrams, some of Hollywood’s top players are doubling down on streaming platforms.
The Washington Post reports the rise of streaming gives creators the upper hand.
“What we’re seeing unfold in front of us is a shift from exclusivity to ubiquity,” Tom Nunan told The Post. Nunan is a veteran producer who counts films such as “Crash” among his credits.
“Companies are willing to let creators work everywhere, which is a major and consequential change,” Nunan said.
In the recent weeks since the launch of platforms Apple TV+ and Disney+, the immediate access to new, original content appears to be paying off.
More than 10 million people subscribed to Disney+ on launch day, Nov. 12. IGN reports the Disney+ mobile app was downloaded 3.2 million times within the first 24 hours of launch.
The advent of these platforms enables consumers to move away from traditional media platforms, including cable television.
NJ.com, an affiliate of Advance Media, reports:
In 2008, less than 1 million American households were completely reliant on the internet for television viewing, according to Parks Associates. By 2017, that number leaped to 22.2 million.
Convergence Research Group’s “Battle for the American Couch Potato” report stated that OTT (over-the-top, aka cord-cutting services) access revenue grew by 41 percent to $11.9 billion in 2017, and that number is projected to more than double by 2020. Meanwhile, cable, satellite and Teleco TV access (not including OTT) revenue grew just one percent in 2017 to $107.6.
Now in 2019, 14,000 Americans a day are cutting the cord. Bottom line? Cord-cutting services are rapidly expanding, while cable subscriptions have more or less become stagnant.
However, despite the data, some people are pushing back against streaming growth. Parents, especially, should be cognizant of what media their children consume at certain ages.
As Movieguide® previously reported:
In 2016, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published recommendations for parents to use concerning screen time and their children. These recommendations were used to assess screen time in the recent study.
The recommendations are:
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For children younger than 18 months, avoid use of screen media other than video-chatting. Parents of children 18 to 24 months of age who want to introduce digital media should choose high-quality programming, and watch it with their children to help them understand what they’re seeing.
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For children ages 2 to 5 years, limit screen use to 1 hour per day of high-quality programs. Parents should co-view media with children to help them understand what they are seeing and apply it to the world around them.
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For children ages 6 and older, place consistent limits on the time spent using media, and the types of media, and make sure media does not take the place of adequate sleep, physical activity and other behaviors essential to health.
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Designate media-free times together, such as dinner or driving, as well as media-free locations at home, such as bedrooms.
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Have ongoing communication about online citizenship and safety, including treating others with respect online and offline.
Furthermore, much of the content readily available—and easily accessible—is far from safe for families.
AppleTV+ original series contain abhorrent content, including foul language, grotesque violence and gross sexual immorality. This content is available on any new Apple device, including iPhones or iPads used by children.
While AppleTV+ initially promised family-friendly options, Disney+ appears to be the platform with the most family options, including most of the conglomerate’s catalogs from multiple distributors. This means Disney+ includes offerings from Walt Disney Co., Fox, ABC, what was ABC Family, and Disney Channel just to name a few.
Also, while many consumers may be worried about trying to subscribe to all the streaming platforms, The Post reports that this isn’t the platforms’ ultimate goal.
To determine what content is safe for your family, please visit movieguide.org for full reviews and read “The Culture-Wise Family” by Dr. Ted Baehr and Pat Boone.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
