Subscription Fatigue, Jonathan Liew Shortlisted for Award, Sky WNBA Coverage


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Subscription Fatigue is Tiring

I had the pleasure of presenting to the Naples Mac User Group a couple of days ago. They are a lovely bunch, whom I’ve chatted with before. The topic was, of course, streaming, with the focus on Apple TV.

I thought the q+a would delve into our favourite programming, why Apple wanted to get into streaming, or maybe some more practical tips on using the service. Whilst those things did come up, the big issue was reducing the amount we all pay each month for streaming services. It was the clearest demonstration of subscription fatigue that I’ve had in a while. Members were keeping spreadsheets or simply abandoning all the services.

Meanwhile, HBO Max arrived in the UK this week. It’s the new home of TNT Sports, so I logged in to check it out. Over on Sky, they were boasting that they were providing HBO Max to existing customers at no extra cost. However, after browsing the NOW TV app, it’s clear that this does not include the TNT Sports element. Given that HBO shows are a key part of Sky/NOW’s entertainment offering, it rather feels ike I’m paying twice for the same thing.

I will keep an eye on how long each service keeps the same show in their respective catalogues. Surely, though, keeping up with what you watch, where it is and whether you’re getting value for money shouldn’t be this difficult?

Jonathan Liew Shortlisted for Prestigious Award

Jonathan Liew found himself at the centre of a storm recently, after a frankly disgusting piece in The Guardian. As I noted in the Jewish Chronicle: “the whole thing highlights how the left has become totally consumed by Palestinianism. How a far-off war that in reality many of them know little about has become an obsession.”

Liew has now been shortlisted by the Sports Journalists' Association at its prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards. Those categories are the Columnist of the Year and Football Journalist of the Year. The SJA is, of course, only concerned with Liew’s sportswriting over the last twelve months. It may even have made its decision before that infamous piece was published. Even so, it all feels a bit… much.

I was pleased though to see a specific category for Women’s Football Journalist of the Year. The shortlist is:

  • Angelina Kelly (talkSPORT)
  • Charlotte Harpur (The Athletic)
  • Jessy Parker Humphreys (The Observer)
  • Kathryn Batte (The Telegraph)
  • Kit Shepard (The Times & Sunday Times)
  • Megan Feringa (The Athletic), Suzanne Wrack (The Guardian)
  • Tom Garry (The Guardian).

The Awards gala will take place on 27 April 27, 2026, at the London Palladium.


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Sky Should Follow CBS WNBA Commitment

The WNBA returns next month. On Wednesday, CBS announced a “new long-term, multiplatform rights agreement” to air the league. There will be 20 regular-season games shown on the CBS Television Network and Paramount+. This is the most WNBA games the network has ever shown on TV.

Furthermore, the network is expanding its pregame, halftime, and postgame studio offerings to 10 games. Six of those will be on CBS/Paramount+, with a further four on CBS Sports HQ.

“The WNBA’s growth and cultural impact have never been stronger, and CBS Sports is proud to deepen our longstanding partnership with a league that continues to drive the evolution of women’s sports,” said Dan Weinberg, Executive Vice President, Programming, CBS Sports. “With our entire schedule of games on broadcast television, we are broadening the league’s reach and amplifying the WNBA’s momentum with best-in-class coverage that reflects the excellence of its athletes and resonates with fans.”

It’s a serious W for the W, and, I’d imagine, CBS.

Meanwhile, in the UK. Sky Sports has a deal to show the NBA and WNBA for the next 11 years. TNT Sports previously had the rights. There is also the league pass option, which gives you all the games for £29.99.

The Sky Sports deal is nothing to be sniffed at. However, while there is plenty of fuss being made about the return of the WNBA in the US, it does not feel quite the same in the UK. Of course, basketball, whichever sex is playing it, is nowhere near as big here as in the US. There is still over a month to go too, so perhaps attention will ramp up as we get closer to tip-off. The details remain quite tricky to find at the moment, though.

Sky Sports has an opportunity. With stars like Caitlin Clarke, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers, there is the chance to be part of the “cultural impact” Weinberg referenced in his statement. I hope they don’t miss it.


Podcast - TV+ Talk: Apple Wins Oscars and F1

In the latest episode of TV+ Talk from The Addition and MacVoices, Charlotte Henry and Chuck Joiner discuss Apple's awards success, F1 and how Heung-Min Son brings in the money. There is also all the information you need on upcoming releases.


What to Watch this Weekend

Football

WSL

Everton vs Liverpool: The Merseyside derby starts a day of three local clashes. Everton have been in good form recently, including beating Spurs two weeks ago. Liverpool have been resurgent in 2026. This is a tough one to call. The game kicks off at 12pm GMT/8am ET. You can watch it on Sky Sports/NOW in the UK and on ESPN Select/FUBO in the US.

Man Utd vs Man City: This is a high-profile clash that comes after the hosts had a difficult midweek meeting with Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Marc Skinner's team seemed a bit flat that night at Old Trafford and will need to find some energy to stand a chance. The visitors, meanwhile, comfortably top the table and have had almost a full week's rest since smashing Spurs last weekend. The game kicks off at 1.30pm GMT/9.30am ET. It is available to watch FOR FREE on BBC One/iPlayer in the UK and on ESPN Select/FUBO in the US.

Arsenal vs Tottenham: The north London derby rounds off a massive day. Arsenal had a tough Champions League clash against Chelsea on Tuesday, but boss Renee Slegers said her players like the rhythm of regular matches. Martin Ho’s team are trying to avoid three defeats on the bounce. The game kicks off at 5.30pm GMT/1.30pm ET. You can watch it on Sky Sports/NOW in the UK and on ESPN Select/FUBO in the US.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa: The Blues were left frustrated against Arsenal in midweek. They face a Villa side who got back to winning ways last weekend against Leicester. Sonia Bompastor’s side cannot afford too many more mess ups if they want to return to top European competition next season. The game kicks off at 12pm GMT/7am ET. You can watch it on Sky Sports/Sky One/NOW in the UK and on ESPN Select/FUBO in the US.

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Charlotte Henry is a journalist and broadcaster who creates and runs The Addition newsletter and podcast; an award-winning publication looking at the crossover between media and technology.

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Welcome to The Addition, where I cover the crossover between culture, media and sport. Thank you for having a Premium Subscription. It means you get even more content AND the satisfaction of supporting the growth of independent media! You can also become a Super Supporter. That gives you all of the above plus signed copies of both my books for a one-off payment. [Some links may help generate a commission that also supports The Addition. I want to start this newsletter off by sending some love...

Welcome to The Addition, where I cover the crossover between culture, media and sport. Thank you for having a Premium Subscription. It means you get even more content AND the satisfaction of supporting the growth of independent media! You can also become a Super Supporter, getting lifetime access for a single payment. [Some links may help generate a commission that also supports The Addition. Supported by: Tickaroo: What Tomorrow’s Journalists Want You to Know Tickaroo surveyed the next...

Welcome to The Addition, where I cover the crossover between culture, media and sport. Thank you for having a Premium Subscription. It means you get even more content AND the satisfaction of supporting the growth of independent media! You can also become a Super Supporter. This gives you all of those benefits and signed copies of both my books (UK only) for one lifetime payment. [Some links may help generate a commission.] Supported by: Tickaroo: What Tomorrow’s Journalists Want You to Know...