Broadcast Network Unveils Ad-Supported Premium Tier for Subscribers
Strategic Move Captures Growing Demand for Flexible Streaming Options as Ad-Supported Penetration Rises to 41 Percent
NEW YORK, NY – November 19, 2025 – Horizon Media Group announced Tuesday the launch of an ad-supported premium tier for its flagship StreamPlus streaming service, offering subscribers access to premium content at a reduced monthly rate while creating new advertising opportunities for brand partners.
The initiative responds to accelerating consumer adoption of hybrid streaming models. According to Kantar’s latest Entertainment on Demand research, ad-supported subscription video-on-demand services have reached 41% penetration in key markets, with projections that households with ad-supported streaming will outnumber ad-free services by the second quarter of 2026 . The study found that 37% of new streaming subscriptions in the second quarter of 2025 were for ad-supported tiers, up from 26% a year earlier. Disney+ achieved its highest share of new paid subscribers in more than two years during Q2 2025, capturing 22% of market growth through strategic promotional pricing.
StreamPlus Premium with Ads will debut December 1 at $7.99 per month, positioning it 40% below the ad-free Premium tier’s $13.99 monthly price and 20% below Netflix’s comparable ad-supported offering. The service includes full access to StreamPlus’s library of more than 15,000 hours of premium content, encompassing next-day broadcast programming from Horizon’s five affiliate networks, 40 exclusive original series, live sports including 25 regular-season MLB games and 12 regional NCAA basketball matchups, plus a dedicated 24/7 news channel. Advertising will be limited to an average of four minutes per hour, with spots capped at 30 seconds each and frequency capping at three impressions per viewer per program.
For advertising partners, the new tier creates access to Horizon’s premium audience demographic, which indexes 28% higher than the streaming average for household income above $75,000 and 35% higher for adults aged 25-54. The platform will offer advanced targeting capabilities including contextual placement across 50-plus content categories, first-party data integration from Horizon’s 15 million authenticated users, and dynamic ad insertion supporting interactive and shoppable formats. Launch sponsors include three Fortune 500 brands in automotive, consumer packaged goods, and financial services categories, each committing to seven-figure annual spending commitments. “This isn’t just about adding another revenue stream—it’s about redefining how premium content and advertising coexist,” said Jennifer Chen, President of Horizon Media Group’s Streaming Division. “Our research shows 68% of subscribers actively choose ad-supported tiers when priced appropriately, and we’re delivering that choice without compromising content quality.”
The strategic shift reflects broader consumer behavior changes, with 57% of streaming subscribers now enrolled in at least one bundled service, according to Digital Content Next research. Horizon’s offering will be available both as a standalone service and as part of its popular Horizon Entertainment Bundle, which includes access to sister platforms SportsNet and NewsChannel+ for $12.99 monthly—representing a 35% savings versus separate subscriptions. Industry data demonstrates significant market opportunity: Peacock leads with 84% of its subscribers on ad-supported plans, while Hulu maintains 65% adoption and Paramount+ has doubled its ad-tier proportion to 49% over the past 12 months.
The launch coincides with exclusive premieres of three original series, including the investigative journalism drama “Source Code” starring Emmy winner Robert Garcia, the competitive cooking show “Fire & Ice,” and documentary series “American Frontier.” Additionally, StreamPlus has secured streaming rights for 12 regional NCAA conference basketball games and will offer exclusive next-day access to four primetime series from Horizon’s broadcast lineup. The service plans to roll out the ad-supported tier to international markets starting with Canada and the United Kingdom in the second quarter of 2026.
“We’re witnessing a fundamental shift in viewer preferences. Cost-conscious consumers are voting with their wallets, and ad-supported tiers represent the fastest-growing segment in streaming,” said Michael Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer of Horizon Media Group. “This launch positions Horizon to capture that demand while maintaining the premium viewing experience our brand represents.”
About Horizon Media Group
Horizon Media Group operates five broadcast networks and three streaming platforms, reaching 85 million households across North America. The company’s portfolio includes premium entertainment, live sports, and news programming, with digital revenues accounting for 42% of total revenue in fiscal year 2025. Founded in 1987, Horizon has been recognized with 23 Emmy Awards and maintains partnerships with major sports leagues, studios, and production companies.
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