PEACOCK REACHES MORE THAN 26 MILLION SIGNUPS

NBCUniversal's streaming service Peacock has reached more than 26 million signups, assured Jeff Shell, CEO of NBCUniversal, during Tuesday’s investors conference. "As of yesterday, we're just up over 26 million signups, so the momentum just continues in a very strong linear way,"  Shell said.

NBCUniversal’s CEO added that Peacock's business plan is to offer either a free or cheaper alternative to pricey rival streaming platforms in a digital era where cable bundle cord-cutting isn't going away. "In a world where people are spending a lot of money on Netflix, Disney+ and HBO Max, there will be room for a more affordable, ad-supportive service,"  Shell argued. Peacock has also launched without the Olympics, which were delayed one year, and strong programming like “The Office,” which will land on the advertising video on-demand service in January after play on Netflix.

Now, trying to keep the momentum, NBCUniversal is focused on original TV production to drive signups and usage of the AVOD service. At the same time, the company is reserving some premium content to encourage people to subscribe. “Our subscriber base has been stronger than we've actually expected,"  Shell admitted.

Regarding an international rollout, the executive confirmed that Peacock will avoid major markets like the United Kingdom, Germany or Italy, where Comcast’s parent NBCUniversal already has a major presence with Sky. "Peacock is a product we will use selectively in markets,"  he told investors.