WSJ Tech News Briefing: "TNB Tech Minute: Disney and Fox Launch New Streaming Services"

Date: August 21, 2025
Host: Julie Chang

Episode Overview

This episode gives a brisk, information-packed roundup of key developments in the tech and media worlds, focusing on the launch of new sports-oriented streaming services from Disney and Fox, the evolving competition for major league sports media rights, and an important regulatory probe into Tesla. The news is delivered in WSJ’s signature authoritative, to-the-point style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. New Streaming Services for Sports Fans

[00:16 – 00:55]

• Disney and Fox’s Cable Networks Go Direct-to-Consumer:

  • For the first time, both are offering their bundles as stand-alone, cord-free subscriptions.
    • Disney’s service: Branded as ESPN, costs $30/month.
    • Fox’s service: Called Fox One, priced at $20/month, includes Fox News, sports, and entertainment.
    • Impact:
      • Offers fans direct access to live events (NBA, NFL) previously locked behind cable or “live TV” bundles (e.g., YouTube TV, Fubo).
      • Marks a significant shift in how consumers can access premium sports and news content.

• Quote:

  • “There are two new streaming services for sports fans. Disney and Fox are making their cable networks offerings available for a month subscription for the first time.” — Julie Chang [00:19]

2. Live Sports Streaming Landscape Intensifies

[00:56 – 01:33]

• NBCUniversal’s Push:

  • In exclusive reporting, NBCUniversal is in advanced talks with Major League Baseball (MLB) to bring games to NBC and its Peacock streaming service.
    • Deal details: 3-year pact, about $600 million.
  • Netflix’s Bid:
    • Nearing a deal to stream the MLB Home Run Derby through 2028, at $35M+ per year.
    • Both deals not finalized yet, per sources close to negotiations.

• Industry Implication:

  • Traditional and disruptive streamers are vying fiercely for high-value live sports rights, which continue to attract subscribers.

• Quote:

  • “Adding to the growing landscape of sports streaming, we exclusively report that NBCUniversal is in advanced talks with Major League Baseball to carry games on NBC and the Peacock streaming service. The deal would be a three year pact approaching $600 million.” — Julie Chang [00:44]

3. Regulatory Spotlight on Tesla

[01:34 – 02:15]

• NHTSA Investigation:

  • The U.S. auto safety regulator is probing Tesla for delays in required crash reporting related to automated driving systems.
    • Automakers must file incident reports within 1 or 5 days.
    • NHTSA says Tesla has taken months in some cases.
  • Tesla’s explanation: Data collection issues (now resolved, per Tesla).
  • Probe aims to “evaluate the cause of the delays.”
  • Tesla did not immediately comment.

• Safety and Compliance:

  • The investigation highlights persistent regulatory challenges faced by Tesla and the broader scrutiny of self-driving technologies.

• Quote:

  • “According to the filing, Tesla has said the delays were due to an issue with the company’s data collection and that it had been fixed, but NHTSA opened the probe to evaluate the cause of the delays.” — Julie Chang [02:09]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Market Shifts:

  • “Each offers fans a fresh way to watch events from NBA games to the NFL that long required a cable bundle or a live TV service such as YouTube TV or Fubo.” — Julie Chang [00:27]

• On the Race for Sports Streaming:

  • “Netflix is also close to a deal with MLB to stream the home run derby through 2028 for more than $35 million a year, per other people familiar with the matter.” — Julie Chang [01:23]

• Regulatory Accountability:

  • “The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a filing published today that Tesla has taken months to submit those reports.” — Julie Chang [01:50]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:16] – Launch of ESPN and Fox One streaming services
• [00:44] – NBCUniversal’s MLB deal & growing sports streaming competition
• [01:23] – Netflix’s potential MLB Home Run Derby deal
• [01:50] – NHTSA probe into Tesla’s incident reporting delays
• [02:15] – End of tech news content

Summary

In just two minutes, this TNB Tech Minute distills several seismic shifts reshaping the media and tech landscapes:

• Disney and Fox break new ground by offering full-featured streaming services, liberating major sports content from cable’s grip.
• NBCUniversal and Netflix’s high-stakes negotiations for MLB rights underscore the fierce contest for live content leadership.
• Tesla’s ongoing regulatory friction is amplified, demonstrating how technology companies must adapt to evolving government demands—especially in high-stakes, safety-critical sectors like autonomous vehicles.

The reporting is brisk, fact-driven, and forward-looking—perfect for listeners needing quick, trustworthy tech news.