Stan: We’re extremely excited about Disney+ launching
Stan CEO Mike Sneesby implodes a few myths in the highly competitive streaming space.
- Published by David Knox
- on
- Filed under Streaming
Stan CEO Mike Sneesby yesterday imploded a few myths around a supposed rivalry in the competitive streaming market in Australia.
Speaking at the Screen Forever conference he said, “Stan and Netflix have been very complementary. Our strategy around content has always been to completely differentiate ourselves from what Netflix is doing, with our brand standing on its own two feet with our own content composition and giving consumers the opportunity to enjoy the best of Netflix and Stan as two services.
“It’s the new shows dropping onto the services that are driving subscriber take-up. Obviously there is a huge catalogue and the viewing is spread across a much wider range of programming. But it’s those first-run, exclusive and original programmes driving our take-up and Netflix’s take-up.”
He added, “Netflix has Netflix originals but Stan is the home of Hollywood with originals made right here in Australia.”
Stan launched in January 2015 just two months ahead of Netflix in Australia. Sneesby was asked if Netflix’s arrival sent their own subscriber numbers down?
“We gained. One of the misconceptions is that it’s a cut-throat, competitive industry. I’m very confident Netflix for us, and us for Netflix, has been a positive driver of subscribers,” he replied.
“When Netflix launched in Australia we saw our subscribers lift.
“That also includes Disney coming to market next week. We’re extremely excited about that. There is plenty of speculation in the media around a negative angle to it, but I can guarantee you they will grow the market, they will bring more households to streaming. They will provide an excellent complement to Stan and Netflix in the market.
“I’m extremely confident we will see a rising tide lift all streaming boats.”
5 Responses
Mike has a great future in politics – excellent spin and avoidance of the truth!
I’m a little late to this post but I found myself watching the end of Rogue One on FTA a few nights ago. As the end credits began to roll the trailer for The Mandalorian appeared. At the time I thought what an odd thing to be watching. Channel 9 advertising a series which will soon screen on a competitors streaming service.
Having the right mix of content will retain subscriber numbers, so if Stan releases a reasonable quantity of new content every month, including recent movies, it should keep itself relevant, there is always an audience for U.S. shows that get lost on FTA including some released decades ago. Netflix is now becoming more multi-national which reveals where its growing market is, Stan is in a unique position to understand Australian preferences better than its U.S. competition so surveying viewer demands should be ongoing for them, Foxtel on the other hand still keep being Foxtel, marketing and promotions aside, it is an old dog not wanting to be taught new tricks and subscribers are getting wise to their periodic renewal strategies and rebadging, Foxtel more than Stan needs to look ahead for the future.
Except that a rising sea will sink a boat with a short anchor chain. Mike is putting on a brave face and Stan isn’t the only one that will miss the Disney content. FTA could be a big loser if Disney claws back Fox and Hulu content as well.
No myths imploded here. This is 110% PR spin. They know they have a massive fight on their hands and this is their response. Not all the streaming platforms will survive but there has never been more consumer choice and quality available so bring it on. Will be getting Disney + next week on their annual plan. Looks the goods.