Yahoo closes Screen streaming service

Tech giant Yahoo has closed its video streaming platform, Yahoo Screen, two years after it was created.

Yahoo Screen launched with more than 1,000 hours of programming, eight original shows and a licensing agreement with the likes of Viacom, and went on to commission more original series, including the revival of former NBC comedy Community.

However, costs off the originals slate led to Yahoo declaring a US$42 million write-down near the end of 2015, which signalled trouble for Yahoo Screen.

The development, which Variety first reported, means Yahoo Screen’s video will be moved to Yahoo’s ‘digital magazine’ slate, where relevant shows will sit alongside similar content from other mediums.

Comedy originals such as Sin City Saints are now sitting with the Yahoo TV section of the firm’s site.

A Yahoo spokeswoman said in a statement: “At Yahoo, we’re constantly reviewing and iterating on our products as we strive to create the best user experience. With that in mind, video content from Yahoo as well as our partners has been transitioned from Yahoo Screen to our digital magazine properties so users can discover complementary content in one place.”

When Yahoo Screen launched, former Channel 5 and Sky programmes chief Dawn Airey was Yahoo’s senior VP, EMEA. She left in September and was subsequently named CEO of photo bank Getty Images.