There's a lot of talk about Netflix looking more and more like a complementary service to cable companies. The company's CEO, Reed Hastings, has said as much. But Netflix might also be toying with going head-to-head with cable providers based on its recent activity with TV network-branded pages.
Netflix isn't publicizing the fact, but these pages allow Netflix users to browse shows by television network. Viacom-owned MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central are among the networks featured on these pages. Currently, to find the pages, users need to enter a phrase such as "MTV" into the Netflix search bar.
The branded pages are currently limited to a handful, but if Netflix expanded the branded pages and made them easier to find, it would further push itself into a position as a replacement—not complement to—cable television.
When asked by AdAge about the branded pages, Netflix simply responded with: "We're always testing ways to make Netflix easier, simpler, better."
What do you think Netflix's true intentions are with these pages, Insiders?
[via AdAge]
