WBTV?

Word is that Warner Bros. Discovery is planning to launch a free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service.

That would join the large number of existing services, including Pluto TV, Xumo, Tubi, Plex, Streamfree (Sling TV free), and others, that provide streamers with tons of free content. Of course, they have ads, but for the cost, that ain't bad.

Warner Bros. Discovery is the parent of Warner Bros. (naturally), Discovery (of course), HBO Max, TCM, TNT, TBS, CNN, Cartoon Network/Adult Swim, and others. This would be their first foray into FAST services. Cord Cutters News has more information on that:

Warner Bros. Discovery has a vast back catalog of content from Discovery, Scripps, and Warner Bros. programs to build a service on. Now don't look for major hits like Friends being offered free but do look for Warner Bros. Discovery to follow Pluto TV's model by offering a collection of new and older content to help attract subscribers to HBO Max.

Pluto TV has been very successful not only at getting ad revenue but also in promoting Paramount+. Often older seasons of hit shows are offered free to get you hooked, only to make you pay to see the new seasons. Now Warner Bros. Discovery reportedly wants a similar model for themselves.

Here's the catch. They are planning on calling it WBTV. That makes sense, right?

Well, there is a TV station in Charlotte, NC with the call sign WBTV. And it's been WBTV since 1949, when it first signed on. So there's that.

Once they get all that worked out, I'm looking forward to the WBD offering. I think with their catalog of content, the FAST service, whatever name it takes, will be a good addition to my Streaming Life.