Recap: Sling TV News Conference at CES 2016
Today marks the one-year anniversary since we introduced Sling TV to the world. To celebrate, our CEO, Roger Lynch, took it back to where it all started. This afternoon he stood on the very same stage where he announced Sling TV and shared with hundreds of members of the media what we have accomplished in our first year, what we have learned from our customers and the industry, as well as what consumers can expect from us in 2016.
Did you miss Roger’s remarks? We made it easy for you to get up to speed. Here are the highlights from today’s news conference:
In 2015, Sling TV introduced more content and doubled the number of devices
When we launched the “Best of Live TV” package last February, we only had 12 channels. Today, there are well over 20, and the price is still $20 per month. We also introduced nine add-on packages, which we call Extras. So today, Sling TV offers more than 65 channels, including HBO, SEC Network, AMC and more. We also offer more than 250 Latino and International channels, bringing our total to well over 300 channels in 20 different languages.
Since launch, we have doubled the number of devices supported by Sling TV and will continue to add more exciting choices for our customers in 2016.
Sling TV appeals to more than just millennial households
We’re pleased with how many customers have embraced Sling TV, and for the first time, Roger shared how Sling TV customers distribute across each generation. When compared to the household census:
* Millennial households index at 200 percent
* Gen X households index at 140 percent
* Early stage Gen X households index at 180 percent
* Baby Boomer households index at 70 percent
So while Millennial households over-index as Sling TV subscribers, our audience profile suggests that our model and value proposition are generating broad customer appeal.
New user interface, more content and more devices coming in 2016
Roger shared a subset of what Sling TV will announce in 2016, including the next-generation user interface (UI). The new UI will roll out in a phased-approach later this quarter, will focus on personalization and content, and will be contextually aware. More information on the new UI can be found here. He demonstrated what the UI will look like and how it will make it easier for customers to navigate Sling TV’s live and on-demand content. Images of the new UI can be found here.
Roger also announced that Sling TV plans to launch ESPN3 in the “Best of Live TV” package later this quarter. This will be the first time that a multichannel pay-TV provider has ever integrated ESPN3 content directly into the channel guide. ESPN3 brings thousands of live and on-demand sporting events, making Sling TV the premier destination for watching sports. More information on ESPN3 can be found here.
Our team worked very hard in 2015, and we know it’s going to keep getting better in 2016. To keep up with the latest announcements, bookmark this blog, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter (@Sling)!
Sling TV Staff
#TakeBackTV