Audio Video News

The retail giant has reportedly met with veteran entertainment executives to explore the viability of creating a subscription-based streaming service that would go head to head with the likes of Netflix.

Planning is still in the early stages for a direct-to-consumer service that would “target middle America,” according to a Wall Street Journal report, which said a decision could be made as early as the end of summer.

The service would differ from Vudu, the à la carte movie service Walmart started a few years ago, in that it would require a monthly subscription fee. Vudu offers access to thousands of movies for rental or purchase but the subscription is free.

It’s not clear whether Walmart would offer only content it acquired and if it would shy away from “sexy” shows in favor of Hallmark Channel-like conservative programming — or if the discount king would actually roll the dice and try its hand at original content.

What Walmart-produced might look like is anyone’s guess but it probably wouldn’t stray too far from PG-rated territory.