CBS has "signed on to provide its programming" to Google's new video streaming service, and the deal "includes CBS telecasts of NFL games," according to sources cited by Battaglio & Dave of the L.A. TIMES. Google's OTT service, which is "expected to be called Unplugged," would "make a small package of channels available to online users for a monthly fee." Bringing NFL games to the service also will give Unplugged a "major advantage over CBS’ own streaming service, CBS All Access, which gives subscribers all of the network’s programs except NFL telecasts" (L.A. TIMES, 10/20). The WALL STREET JOURNAL's Flint & Ramachandran cite sources as saying that Google also is "near an accord to distribute channels" owned by Fox and is in "advanced talks" with NBCUniversal and Disney. Sources said that Google is "looking to offer a 'skinny' bundle of live TV channels with a price in the range of $25 to $40 a month." Unplugged is "likely to be separate from YouTube Red, the ad-free subscription offering the company launched last year." Other channels from CBS besides the broadcast network that "will be part of the YouTube offering include Pop and CBS Sports Network." Sources said that Fox channels "under discussion" include Fox, Fox News, FX, FS1 and NatGeo, while Disney-owned channels that "could be part of the service" include ABC, ESPN, Disney Channel and Freeform (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 10/20). Media columnist Bruce Dowbiggin tweeted, "#CBS to put its entire content on Google online. Good thing for cable that it has engendered so much loyalty and affection from consumers" (TWITTER.com, 10/20).
