"Those customers that are more price-sensitive, and want smaller packages, we now have streaming packages," AT DramaFever, which specialized in Korean dramas; and other international programming, while Turner Entertainment shut down its Super Deluxe digital studiosoon after Turner owner Time Warner completed its sale to AT&T.
Stankey on Thursday told analysts that the recent closures were done to "ensure we could put out the bulk of our library with scale," as his company gets set to unveil its three-tier streaming offering.
WatchTV, AT&T's recently launched $15-per-month skinny OTT service, already features more than 30 channels, including the recently acquired CNN, TNT and TBS services.
The telecom giant's new direct-to-consumer offerings will also compete with Netflix, Sling TV, CBS All Access and other streamers, and with rival cable providers like Comcast and Charter Communications.