iWorld
YouTube introduces budget-friendly TV packages in US
The move aims to attract cord-cutters and redefine the traditional cable model.
CALIFORNIA: YouTube is performing some digital surgery on the traditional cable bundle, carving out smaller, cheaper packages for viewers who are tired of paying for channels they never watch. According to a report by Bloomberg, the tech titan is set to launch a range of skinny bundles, including a dedicated sports plan priced at $65 per month.
For those who live for the weekend whistle but couldn’t care less about reality TV, the new sports-only tier offers a significant win. At $65, it sits roughly 22 per cent cheaper than the standard $83 YouTube TV everything buffet.
This plan isn’t just a rehash of old cable; it will blend major broadcast networks with select sports content that was once the exclusive territory of niche streaming platforms. And this isn’t just a one-off play for the stadium crowd. YouTube is reportedly prepping more than 10 different bundles themed around:
Live sports: The heavy hitters and broadcast staples.
Breaking news: For the headline junkies.
Entertainment: Strictly for the drama and comedy fans.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan took to X to champion the move, stating that the new structure is designed to give consumers more “choice and control” over their screens.
Traditionally, media moguls have guarded the big bundle like a dragon guarding gold. They preferred forcing viewers to buy a hundred channels just to get the five they actually wanted. However, the tide is turning. According to research firm MoffettNathanson, traditional TV companies have lost more than 30 million customers over the last 10 years.
YouTube TV has been the primary beneficiary of this exodus, now boasting more than 10 million subscribers. This makes it the third-largest TV distributor in the US, trailing only behind industry veterans Charter and Comcast.
While YouTube is famous for its free cat videos, its paid-for side is becoming a financial powerhouse. According to the company, subscription revenue (including YouTube Premium) now rakes in roughly $20 billion annually. When you add the advertising juggernaut into the mix, the total video business is worth upwards of $60 billion.
By offering more targeted, affordable bundles, YouTube is not only catering to niche audiences but also accelerating the shift away from bloated cable packages. With a growing subscriber base and a rapidly expanding paid ecosystem, the company is positioning itself as a dominant force in the evolving TV landscape, proving that even in the age of cat videos, YouTube knows how to play the game when it comes to serious entertainment and sports.
iWorld
Mastercard expands concert series with comedy and music format
Vir Das, Zakir Khan and Papon headline multi-city shows across India.
MUMBAI: From punchlines to power chords, the stage is getting a genre upgrade. Mastercard has unveiled the next phase of its multi-city concert series in India, blending stand-up comedy with live music in a format that mirrors the country’s evolving entertainment tastes. The new line-up brings together a diverse mix of performers, including comedians Vir Das and Zakir Khan, alongside singer Papon. The shift marks a departure from earlier editions that were primarily music-led, featuring global and Indian acts such as Enrique Iglesias, A. R. Rahman and Sunidhi Chauhan.
Curated in collaboration with Tribe Vibe and EVA Live, the expanded series is designed to create a broader cultural platform that brings humour, storytelling and music into a single live experience.
Vir Das will kick off the comedy segment in New Delhi with four shows across two days at Yashobhoomi on 9 and 10 May. Meanwhile, Zakir Khan is set for an extended run in Mumbai, with nine shows scheduled at Dome SVP Stadium across 12, 13, 14, 19 and 20 June, with additional dates expected.
On the music front, Papon will headline a six-city tour, beginning in Chandigarh on 16 May, followed by Ahmedabad on 29 May and Lucknow on 30 May. The tour will then move to Bengaluru on 6 June, Hyderabad on 7 June, and conclude in Indore on 14 June.
The series continues to offer exclusive benefits for Mastercard cardholders, including priority ticket access and premium lounge experiences at venues positioning the platform as both an entertainment and lifestyle proposition.
Beyond the spotlight, the initiative carries a social dimension. Through its partnership with Learning Links Foundation, Mastercard has enabled nearly 90 students from underserved communities across cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Chandigarh to experience live events often for the first time aiming to spark interest in careers within the experience economy.
As live entertainment becomes increasingly hybrid and experiential, Mastercard’s latest move signals a simple insight: today’s audience doesn’t just want a show, they want a story, a laugh and a memory, all rolled into one.
