I wrote a 4000 word (yes, that’s 4k) deep dive on the HBO Max launch. #HBOMax $T

Best part: I give detailed subscriber predictions!

Thread below on the highlights https://tmtandchill.wordpress.com/2020/05/27/how-att-took-hbo-to-the-max/

Part One: What Could Have Been: The Potential Fox & Time Warner Merger

The story of HBO Max, IMO, actually started back in 2014, when FOX was considering buying TWX.

It was an extremely different time in media!

Part Two: AT&T Knocks Down the Walls

AT&T has gotten a lot of criticism for meddling around with WarnerMedia, but it's looking like breaking down the Turner, Warner Bros. and HBO silos was the right call.

Part Three: AT&T Financially Commits More Than Everyone Expects

A lot of popular media analysts - including many big ones you likely follow on here! - thought that $T wouldn't commit the needed resources to compete in streaming.

They were wrong.

Part Four: Where Does HBO Max Fit in the US Streaming Landscape?

There are a variety of subscribers that AT&T is going after with HBO Max that they couldn't keep or attract with HBO content only.

Part Five: Subscriber Predictions

You'll have to read the article for this one!!

But - there is significant context needed, since HBO Max will be available to millions of $T subs in a variety of ways at launch.

Part Six: Why I Might Be Too Optimistic

Does $T need to do a better job of educating consumers about HBO Max? Yes. Can they? Also, yes.

Conclusion: Betting Against HBO Max Means Betting Against AT&T’s Only Growth Area

HBO Max, if not a "bet the company" service, is a "bet the ownership of WarnerMedia" service.

AT&T has a lot riding on this being successful. I think it will be.

Appendix: I go into the minutiae of just how many $T subs will get HBO Max:

- Free forever
- Free for 12 months
- Free for 3 months
- Free for 1 month

If you like detail, you'll like this section!

Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this thread and/or the article, feel free share and RT the thread!