Streaming industry sees major shifts in first half of 2026

The first half of 2026 has seen significant shifts in the streaming and cord-cutting landscape. Key developments include YouTube TV launching 12 lower-priced channel packages and Sony introducing a new 4K Blu-ray and DVD player capable of upscaling standard discs to near 4K quality using Dolby Vision and HDR10.

The industry is also experiencing consolidation and service reductions, with multiple major streaming services shutting down or raising prices. Additionally, DIRECTV has lost access to several local stations, including ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC affiliates, while the Hallmark Channel is discontinuing its TV app on platforms such as Roku, Fire TV, and Google TV.