We knew “Fixer Upper” couple Chip and Joanna Gaines’ TV network would have a multi-platform existence, and now we know for sure there will be a direct-to-consumer option.
“We have a real vision for that in terms of going direct-to-consumer,” Discovery chief David Zaslav said Tuesday on a conference call while talking about the upcoming Chip and Jo channel.
TheWrap asked Discovery if that means it will be a pay subscriber video on demand (SVOD) option, which it sure sounds like. The company responded: “There’s no further detail to share yet — but it is envisioned as a multi-platform play.”
Another thing we still don’t know yet is what cable channel the Gaineses would take over.
“We think that is a very unique opportunity to enhance a channel and grow a channel,” Zaslav told media analysts and reporters listening in. “We now have an opportunity with Chip and Jo to take a network that is doing OK and take it to the next level.”
Clearly, Zaslav knows what Discovery-owned cable channel he is rebranding — they’re just not saying yet. We tried: TheWrap also asked Discovery for clarification on which of its many channels will be given to Chip and Jo, but all a spokeswoman would say was: “Not ready to announce which network as yet.”
After acquiring Scripps last year, Discovery is now the proud home of 19 cable channels: Discovery, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, OWN, Animal Planet, Travel Channel/TRVL, Velocity/MotorTrend TV, Science Channel, DIY, Cooking Channel, Discovery Family, American Heroes Channel, Destination America, Discovery Life, Great American Country, and Spanish-language channels Discovery en Espanol and Familia Discovery.
Now, it’s safe to say the Discovery, TLC, Food Network, Animal Planet and HGTV brands are going nowhere. And Discovery also seems especially dedicated to Travel Channel and ID. Discovery bought a majority stake in Oprah’s OWN late last year. Travel was rebranded to TRVL, Velocity to Motor Trend — pick one of the remaining channels out of a hat.
Prior to the conference call, Discovery released its fourth-quarter 2018 financials. Read all about those here.