Entertainment
Netflix Will Launch Lower-Cost, Ad-Supported Streaming Plans, Reed Hastings Says
Netflix, after years of insisting it would stick solely to subscription-only plans, is finally open to offering lower-cost, ad-supported packages, co-CEO Reed Hastings said on the company’s Q1 earnings interview.
The company expects to nail down its ad-supported streaming strategy over the next year or two, Hastings said, “but think of us as quite open to us offering even lower prices with advertising as a consumer choice.”
Hastings’ comments about Netflix planning to intro an ad-supported plan come as the company’s subscriber growth has hit a wall — in fact, Netflix lost 200,000 subs in the first three months of 2022 and expects to drop 2 million in Q2. Adding ad-supported options could give it a new pathway to growth; in addition, to boost the top line, Netflix is looking at ways to collect money from the estimated 100 million-plus households that currently use a shared password to stream without paying for it.
“Those that have followed Netflix know that I’ve been against the complexity of advertising and a big fan of the simplicity of subscription,” Hastings said. “But as much as I’m a fan of that, I’m a bigger fan of consumer choice. And allowing consumers who would like to have a lower price and are advertising-tolerant get what they want, makes a lot of sense.”
Hastings didn’t provide details on what Netflix’s ad-supported plans might cost. The streamer’s standard two-stream HD plan costs $15.49 per month in the U.S.
Several of Netflix’s biggest competitors offer cheaper, ad-supported plans, including Hulu, HBO Max and Paramount+. Last month Disney announced plans to launch an ad-supported Disney+ plan starting late in 2022 in the U.S.
“I don’t think we have a lot of doubt that [the ad model] works,” Hastings said, citing Hulu and HBO Max as well as the upcoming plans from Disney+. “I’m sure we’ll just get in and figure it out — as opposed to test it and maybe do it or not do it.”
With its advertising play, Netflix can avoid wading into data-privacy pitfalls that have become problematic for some internet companies by using third-party technologies that match ads with viewers without needing access to personally identifiable information, Hastings said.
Last month, Netflix CFO Spencer Neumann signaled the streamer’s willingness to consider adopting an ad-supported tier. “It’s not like we have religion against advertising, to be clear,” Neumann said at a Morgan Stanley investment conference. While “that’s not something that’s in our plans right now,” he said, “never say never.”
The fourth edition of the fast-rising fashion and cultural event, the Slit and Kaba Festival, is set to take place on May 1 at the Legon City Mall in Accra.
Organised by Roots Africa, the festival aims to promote Ghanaian culture through the traditional Kaba and Slit outfit, known for its vibrant African prints and unique designs.
Speaking to The Spectator Agoro ahead of this year’s edition, dubbed “Old School Kaba and Slit Meets Batakari,” the Founder of Roots Africa, Mrs. Deborah Kabutey-Djisah, popularly known as Manye Korngo, said the event has gained significant popularity over the years and promised an even bigger experience this time around.
“The intention is to revive old-school fashion while celebrating our revered Fugu, also known as Batakari, which has gained massive exposure in recent times,” she stated.
“It is also an opportunity to showcase our culture and demonstrate to young people how fashion has evolved over the years,” she added.
She further called on vendors to come on board to display their products and services, noting that thousands of patrons are expected to attend the event.
“Don’t miss the chance to have your brand featured on our flyers, make incredible sales, and be part of an unforgettable experience,” she urged.
According to her, the previous edition was a great success, attracting patrons from across the country. Due to the growing interest, a larger venue had to be secured to accommodate the anticipated crowd.
“I’m expecting ten times more people than we had at last year’s festival,” she added.
Patrons of this year’s Praise Reloaded by Joe Mettle will have a wonderful time in the presence of the Lord at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The much- anticipated concert is scheduled for June 28.
Ensuring patrons enjoy an undiluted encounter with God, the event, will feature evergreen, Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Bethel Revival Choir, Eugene Zuta among others.
Speaking at the launch which took place on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at the Reverb Studios located at Sowutoum, Joe Mettle said, other artistes would be announced in the lead up to the event. “This is the first set of guests, others would be announced.”
He said having the legendary trio, Daughters of Glorious Jesus has been a dream come true.
According to him, he’s always wanted to have them and other legends on Praise Reloaded.
Joe Mettle revealed that the theme for this edition is, The River, “The river speaks more about the spirit of God. A passage in Psalms reads, there is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.” – Psalm 46:4.”
He further said the river brings life, nourishment and hope, adding that they are trusting God that throughout the preparations, people would ve given Grace to encounter this river during the event.
‘‘By 1pm, the doors would be opened at the Accra Sports Stadium for people to come in, settle for the service to take off at 3pm,’’ he said.
Daughters of Glorious Jesus who were at the launch congratulated Joe Mettle for how far he has come and impact in the space.
They pledged ensuring an intimate encounter with God on June 28, and urged all and sundry to be at the Accra Sports Stadium.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
