URGENT UPDATE: Fetch TV has officially broken a four-year price freeze, announcing significant changes including a subscription price increase and the launch of six new channels. The Australian pay-TV provider revealed that these changes will take effect on September 1, 2023, impacting all premium channel packages.
The expansion features a range of exciting new channels, including the children’s channel Moonbug, the military history channel Declassified, and four Stingray music channels catering to various genres. This move aims to enhance content offerings amid rising competition from major streaming platforms.
Subscribers will now have access to the Crunchyroll anime streaming service, known for its extensive library, including over 39,000 anime episodes from popular titles like One Piece and My Hero Academia. However, accessing Crunchyroll will require a separate subscription fee ranging from A$10.99 to A$13.99 per month.
In terms of pricing, most channel packages will increase to A$7.99 per month for the Vibe, Knowledge, Variety, and Kids packs, with the Ultimate Pack rising to A$24.99. The Entertainment Pack will now cost A$17.99 monthly, while the Movie Box package remains affordable at A$2.99 monthly.
Dominic Arena, CEO of Fetch TV, stated,
“This investment in world-class content reflects our commitment to delivering the best value and broadest entertainment for Australian households.”
However, the announcement has sparked mixed reactions from subscribers, many expressing disappointment at the price hikes that coincide with channel additions they find underwhelming.
The revamped, music-heavy channel lineup has drawn particular criticism, with customers questioning the value of additional music streaming services in an already crowded market. This price adjustment marks Fetch TV’s first in four years, contrasting with multiple hikes from competitors like Netflix, Stan, and Disney+ during the same period.
Industry experts highlight that Fetch TV has maintained stable pricing compared to its rivals, who have frequently adjusted costs to accommodate content licensing expenses and inflation. Nicolas Eglau, Managing Director at Moonbug Entertainment, expressed excitement over the launch of the first Moonbug Channel in Australia, emphasizing the importance of sharing beloved children’s content with families.
Terry Li, EVP of Emerging Businesses at Crunchyroll, acknowledged Australia’s vibrant anime community, stating,
“Australia is home to one of the most passionate anime communities in the world, and with Fetch we’re making it easier than ever for fans here to enjoy the very best of Japan straight into living rooms across the country.”
Existing subscribers will notice pricing changes reflected in their first billing cycle after September 1, and potential pro-rata charges may apply based on billing timing. Customers can manage their subscriptions through the Fetch device menu or cancel services while retaining access until the current billing period ends.
The addition of these channels aims to bolster Fetch TV’s competitive edge as an alternative to streaming-only platforms, blending traditional cable TV programming with on-demand pay-per-view and popular streaming apps like Netflix. As Fetch TV navigates the challenges of increasing competition from international streaming services and local content providers, the company remains focused on delivering diverse entertainment options.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and share your thoughts on how these changes will impact your viewing experience!
