Rupert Murdoch’s Fox Corporation is making a bold move into the UK’s competitive free, ad-supported video streaming market with the launch of Tubi. The platform, which has already gained significant traction in the US with almost 80 million monthly active users, will now go head-to-head with the likes of Netflix, Disney+, ITVX, and Channel 4’s streaming platform in the UK.
Tubi is set to offer UK viewers access to a vast library of over 20,000 films and TV series, including content from major studios such as Disney, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, and Sony Pictures Entertainment. In addition, the platform will feature a selection of British, Indian, and Nigerian content to cater to a diverse audience.
Anjali Sud, Tubi’s chief executive, expressed excitement about bringing the platform’s successful streaming formula to UK audiences. Fox Corporation acquired Tubi in 2020 for $440 million as part of its strategy to attract younger viewers and expand its presence in the streaming market.
While Tubi has seen success in the US, industry analysts caution that the UK media landscape is different, with established players like public service broadcasters already heavily invested in free online video offerings. Abi Watson, a senior media analyst, noted that Tubi’s lack of unique content could pose challenges in gaining traction in the UK market.
This move by Fox Corporation comes on the heels of the recent decision to transition Mr. Murdoch’s TalkTV network from a terrestrial television channel to an online-only service. Despite initial struggles to attract viewers on its linear platform, TalkTV aimed to offer an opinion-led alternative to traditional broadcasters.
Mr. Murdoch, a key figure in the UK broadcasting industry with the launch of Sky in 1984, has faced both successes and setbacks in his media ventures. While some see TalkTV as an attempt to replicate the success of Sky, others view it as a reminder of the challenges in breaking into the competitive UK media landscape.
As Tubi prepares to enter the UK market, all eyes will be on how the platform navigates the crowded streaming space and competes with established players to capture the attention of British viewers.
