- YouTube (GOOG -0.7%, GOOGL -0.6%) has announced YouTube TV, a live linear TV streaming service that it will offer for $35/month.
- Its version of a "skinny bundle" is launching with broadcast networks and their cable families, but notably not more independent nets -- so no Discovery Channel, Viacom, Turner (meaning no CNN or TBS), AMC networks.
- That will mean about 40 TV channels, including ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC as well as ESPN (NYSE:DIS). Ten sports channels in all will be included -- a point of emphasis for YouTube, with sports being a holdout key driver for live television.
- It's got a Showtime option (NYSE:CBS), but no HBO (NYSE:TWX).
- Programming will be live and on-demand, and cloud DVR capability will relieve pressure on users' data bundles.
- The $35/month covers six accounts, each with customizable profiles and recommendations.
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Updated: The service will launch sometime in the next few months, and no international launch is planned.