Disney to Shut Down Several Streaming Apps

Disney has announced the closure of several on-demand streaming apps, including ABC, DisneyNOW, Freeform, FXNOW, and Nat Geo TV, effective September 23, 2024, as part of a broader cost-cutting strategy in the media industry. Customers will still be able to access content through the respective websites or via Hulu and Disney+ subscriptions. This decision mirrors similar actions taken by Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount, who are also consolidating their streaming services. The company is reportedly preparing to launch new Live TV channels on Disney+, aiming to enhance viewer engagement. Despite initial success with Disney+, the platform has faced significant losses and subscriber declines, prompting a reevaluation of its app strategy. Disney's move reflects a trend among legacy media companies to focus on their primary streaming services rather than maintaining multiple dedicated apps.