Rupert Murdoch's Tubi service debuts in the UK as a free Netflix competitor

Rupert Murdoch's Fox Corporation has introduced Tubi, a free streaming service, to the UK market, aiming to compete with established platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. With a vast content library of over 20,000 films and TV episodes, Tubi offers a mix of Hollywood blockbusters, British classics, and international cinema, including content from major distributors like Disney, NBCUniversal, and Sony Pictures. The service, supported by ads, has already amassed 80 million users in North America and is set to launch in the UK in the coming weeks. As the streaming landscape becomes increasingly crowded, Tubi's ad-supported model provides a cost-effective alternative for viewers, allowing them to access a wide range of content at lower prices. This strategy has proven successful in retaining customers who may have otherwise churned from subscription-based services. Other streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon have also experimented with ad-supported plans to cater to different consumer preferences and maintain their user base. Tubi's expansion into the UK follows its acquisition by Fox for $440 million in 2020, signaling the company's commitment to global growth and audience engagement. Anjali Sud, Tubi's CEO, highlighted the platform's success in North America and expressed confidence in replicating this model for UK audiences. The move to launch Tubi in the UK comes after Fox's decision to discontinue its terrestrial channel TalkTV and transition to a streaming-only format, following challenges in competing with newer entrants like GB News. With Tubi's imminent arrival in the UK market, viewers can expect a diverse range of content options and a personalized streaming experience through machine learning technology. The service's introduction adds a fresh dynamic to the streaming landscape, offering consumers more choices and potentially reshaping the way audiences engage with digital content in the UK.